December is such a magical time of the year. I truly love Christmas and everything that comes with it. There is really a “feeling” of joy and celebration in the air. enjoy hosting and attending Christmas parties, holiday baking, Christmas shopping, Santa coming and much more. Since having my daughter, who is three and half years old, this time of year takes on a new excitement for me as I get to watch the Christmas holiday through her young eyes. She is so excited and runs around the house singing every Christmas song at the top of her lungs.
One thing that has become an important tradition that I want to pass on to her and focus on this year is doing our advent calendar. The word “Advent” is formed from a Latin word, meaning “coming” or “arrival”. Christmas is about celebrating the arrival of Jesus. I want to reflect and rejoice this season and remember that we celebrate the birth of Christ. As we lit our candle and said a prayer tonight I couldn’t help but to be overcome with thankfulness.
To end the evening, we made sugar cookies. I think we may have eaten more of the dough than what we baked, but it was fun. And while the cookies we made at home may not have been perfect, like the ones I expect at the stores, that wasn’t important. It was about making beautiful memories with my daughter during the holidays. I wish each of you love, joy and peace this holiday season. May we all remember and rejoice in the true meaning of Christmas this year.
Here’s the simple recipe for Gigi’s Homemade Sugar Cookies:
2 eggs
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter Crisco
2 sticks of butter (softened)
1 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking powder
4 1/2 cups of flour
1 tsp vanilla
Mix all ingredients together and leave in refrigerator for an hour to chill. Then roll out and cut into fun shapes. Spray cookie sheet with PAM non-stick spray. Place cookies about ½ inch or more apart on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 mins. Remove and let cool. Place on wax paper and decorate with sprinkles as you like.
Enjoy! Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Blessings,
-Gigi