Growning up in Indiana – Part VII – Making Christmas Cookies

Making Christmas cookies seems to have always been a part of my family’s Christmas traditions.  My earliest memory of us making cookies would have to be when I was about 7 years old.  For some reason my Mom must have made every cookie recipe that Betty Crocker had published!  She would roll out the dough, then my sisters and I would cut them out.  There were other cookies that she didnt let us help her with.   Some that you dipped in chocolate, then nuts.  She also would make fudge, cracked candy, and divinity.  She would start baking weeks ahead of time, freeze the cookies, then pack them into tins for gifts later.  That particular year, I remember that she had to rebake a few batches because my sisters and I would get into the freezer for an after school snack.  Imagine my moms face on Christmas Eve when she opened the containers to find them half empty!  I think that year we really worried if Santa would be paying us a visit later that night…but he did just the same.

As an adult I can honestly say that my children and I didnt always make cookies.  When we did, I would use the same recipe that my mother used when I was a kid.  I would smile, it reminded me of happy times I had playing in the flour just like they did.  It is funny how such a simple tradition can last for decades, and be carried down for generations.  I read the other day that the making of the Christmas cookie dates back as far as the 15th century.   The spritz cookie was made then, its amazing that recipes are that old. Wow!

As I have shared before in other exerpts, we had a blessed childhood.  I had parents that spent time with us.  I had a family that was intact.  My parents both had wonderful families, that actually spent time together.  They passed down a legacy of love, commitment, and faith in God.  If I had one wish this Christmas, I think it would be that even if its just a simple thing as making cookies together this season, you would be able to experience it with your family. It’s memories such as that, that have held me together during the tough times.  I know it can do the same for others. 

Merry Christmas! and have a Blessed New Year