If I had to vote for an official holiday cookie, you know…THE Supreme Cookie of the Holidays (cue the trumpets), I think the sugar cookie would be my pick. What’s not to like? When made “right” they have it all–sweetness, buttery-ness, crispiness around the edges and softness in the middle (kinda sounds like a description of middle age).
And they’re good plain or with icing. Or, for that matter, with a whole host of toppings. In fact, that’s where it starts to get really fun!
When our boys were in grade school we were living on a street with lots of kids. For some reason, we did not have a refrigerator. I don’t remember if ours had gone belly-up or if we were remodeling. I just know having the extra space in our kitchen gave me the bright idea of hosting a cookie decorating party for the kids on our block. Of course it did. Isn’t that what you would do?
It was a blast–even if my kitchen actually did need a remodel afterwards.
My friend Debbie hosted a cookie decorating party at her house with all of her grandkids. Mother of four and grandmother of six, she’s a pro at making kids beam with holiday cheer!
The Basics
First things first. Debbie planned this party at a time when all her kids and grands were in town. She says, “We kicked off our advent time with this party. It is our family time to gather as one big, boisterous, happy family.”
To save precious time, Debbie ordered the sugar cookies from Kirchhoffs, a local bakery. She made the icing and bought multi-colored sprinkles, marshmallows, jelly beans, and little candies.
She found these darling gingerbread house kits to decorate, too. I’ve found some great options online. You can purchase all “levels” of houses at Williams-Sonoma at this link. Here’s a ready-to-build kit from Wilton. And another from Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Making Messy Memories
Every year the crew dons their Christmas pajamas. Debbie ordered these from Hanna Andersson, and they hand them down when they outgrow them. She adds with a laugh, “The adults never outgrow theirs.” (Which I think its pretty darned impressive considering their cookie party!)
Then they crank up the Christmas music and plunge in. Instead of being distracted during the fun, Debbie hires a photographer–April Shoulta–to capture the time she, her kids, and grandkids share. Aren’t they all darling in these Christmas pajamas? I’m humming “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” as I type!
This year she’s planning to decorate a Christmas Nativity made out of Rice Krispie treats. Fun!
She says, “I do it for the sheer fun, mess, and memories for all of our grands.”
At the time of this party, she had five–Chandler, 5 months, Anderson, 2-years-old, Abby and Elizabeth, each 3, and Jonathan 5-years old. This year she’ll have one more in attendance–Hugh, 6-months-old.
Totally Worth It
Traditions like Debbie has established are the stuff of magic. With just a little planning and prep, you can guarantee a lifetime of memories for your grandchildren.
“Yes,” she says, “the activity is absolutely exhausting,” (LOL) “but I will strive to do it as long as I possibly can. My mom died when I was 23. Dad when I was 27. My kids never knew their grandparents and I’m making up for all that they missed with my grands.”
One last special touch…Her girls made a keepsake book for Debbie that she cherishes. You can make one of your own special holiday pictures here.
I think she’s rocking this grandmother gig!
Do decorate cookies with the kiddos in your life? Tell us about it!
Liz
Christmas cookie baking is one of my favorite things to do during the holidays!!! The Grands make it extra special!!!
Tracey Buchanan
I love to bake with the grands during the holidays, too! Makes every cookie that much sweeter!
Brenda McElroy Mcelroy
Love this family! Love their PJs! Love their crazy fun times!
Tracey Buchanan
They know how to do it right!!