Sing with me…
Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Celebrating parties, caroling and other frolicking, this classic song is one of my favorites. While it represents many good experiences of this time of year, it is missing a wonderful highlight of the season.
COOKIES! Ahhh, the sights and sounds of fresh baked treats, children giggling as they cut out and decorate their own sugar cookies, pans crashing to the floor, flour everywhere…ok, so maybe the last two aren’t things to celebrate, but they are certainly a part of the treasured holiday experience. As a mom now looking back on those messy but fun baking sessions…mom, don’t miss this time to make great memories with your family!
Every family has their favorite Christmas cookie or cookies. Often, each child will have their own favorite! That’s why there are hundreds of Christmas cookie recipes! Just for fun, did you know the most popular Christmas cookie is the Chocolate Chip Cookie? Surprisingly, it is followed by Sugar Cookies and Fudge. Many baking purists bristle at the thought that the chocolate chip cookie made the Christmas cookie chart. If that describes you, then you may be pleasantly surprised to learn the Peanut Butter Blossom tops other holiday baking surveys! Curious to find your favorite cookie on the popularity list? Check it out here.
While your children’s favorite may not be at the top of the chart, take time for each child bake their favorite to share with others. Depending on the ages and busyness of the season, this can be a special one on one time with each child, or a family project. Sure, you may end up with 4 different kinds of sugar cookies, and that is OK! Children gain confidence and feel a valuable part of the family when invited into the decision-making process. One thing our family loved to do was add in one new recipe each year. Many years, we gained a new family favorite like the (easy!) chocolate peppermint cookies.
Part of the joy and benefit of Christmas baking is sharing with others! Whether fixing a plate for an elderly grandparent or neighbor, or to say thanks to a delivery person or postal worker, and community servants like EMS or police personnel, homemade treats are appreciated! Not only are you blessing the efforts of others, but children also learn gratitude and the power of giving back.
Finally, regardless of the age of your children, continue (or start!) the tradition of leaving cookies for Santa. This simple act of sharing offers younger children a gentle introduction into sharing. It is also a great opportunity for older children to learn the history behind this tradition. It is believed leaving cookies for Santa grew in US popularity during the Great Depression in the early 1930s, as parents tried to teach children the importance of giving to others even during a time of great hardship.
The cookie tradition goes further back in time. It has been suggested that leaving cookies and milk for Santa is linked to Saint Nicholas. During the feast celebrating Saint Nicholas on December 6th, children leave food and drink for the saint, in exchange for gifts overnight. It has also been thought that leaving cookies and milk for Santa could be linked to Norse Mythology. Odin was a Norse god, that was described as a bearded old man wearing a hat and a cloak. Legend says that Odin would ride his eight-legged horse Sleipnir across the midwinter night’s sky, delivering toys and candy. Hay and treats were left out for Odin and Sleipnir in hopes that the god would stop. This is a fascinating tale to share with children — learn more here.
Baking Christmas cookies with your children offers so many fabulous learning experiences and family bonding time. And it is way more than just the practical use of math skills and how to clean up messes!
Savor this special time of the year, there is much to learn and experience, as you spend time together. ~ Deanne
