What comes to mind when you think of family Christmas traditions? Taking a family picture in front of the fireplace? Christmas carols and hot chocolate? Cutting down and decorating your Christmas tree? Hanging lights outside and putting a wreath on the front door?

For my family, it is gathering in the kitchen and spending an entire Saturday baking Christmas goodies to give to others. The recipient list changes every year – pastors, church custodians, students, friends, co-workers – but it always includes neighbors. There is a special joy that comes with knocking on a neighbor’s door and handing them a plate full of freshly baked treats! And it’s a great way to get to know them a little bit better.

A few weeks before “baking day,” we get the recipe books out and select the items we are going to make – it’s not just cookies and, while there are some recipes that always “make the list,” the overall selection is different every year. Pick recipes that are easy to make and use similar ingredients, but make sure you have a variety of flavors, colors and textures. And it doesn’t have to be just cookies, one of our favorite goodies is chocolate drizzled caramel corn!

On “baking day” we work together as a family to measure, mix, stir, cut, cook, bake, decorate and clean – all day long! When the recipes have been completed, we use Christmas paper plates to assemble the gifts (items like caramel corn are put into Christmas cello bags and tied off with a ribbon). Covered with red or green plastic wrap and topped off with a bow and gift card, packages are ready to give away.

A few tips to make the day more fun:

• Play Christmas music.
• Make a family pact that you will not argue over baking. Be joyful regardless of what happens (remember, you’re making gifts!).
• Clean as you go along – don’t save it all for the end of the day when you’re exhausted and be sure to take breaks throughout the day.
• Allow “creative freedom” when decorating sugar cookies. Your husband, teenager or 3-year old just might surprise you with what they come up with!

 

Remember, this does not have to be an elaborate, expensive venture. However, it is a great way to bring a little Christmas joy into someone’s life at a time of the year when people become stressed and overwhelmed by commitment and commercialism. It is a simple, sweet way to show the love of Christ to the most unsuspecting people around you. Beloved let us love one another, for love is from God; (1 John 4:7a).

Anna Matecun and her husband Brian reside in Comstock, Michigan and have two children. Anna is the Office Manager at Calvary Bible Church.