Christmas Cookies and China

Everyone knows that one of the big anticipations of any holiday is eating all the special and traditional foods that make up part of the fun.  At our house that means homemade Christmas cookies.  This year I decided to try a couple of new recipes I discovered on Pinterest.

These are called Cranberry Shortbread.  I really liked the idea of refrigerator cookies, just mix the dough, form into rolls, chill and then slice and bake, so easy.   They were delicious too.

 

This was another new recipe, Toffee Butter Ice Box Cookies, so yummy and again so easy to make.

But the star attractions when it comes to cookies are the cut out sugar cookies.  As far as the whole family is concerned, it isn't Christmas Day without them.  This has been the family recipe since I was a little girl baking with my mom  here.

 Outside the snow was falling and The Inspector stepped out back to catch this photo of a deer out under one of the apple trees.

Inside was the warmth of the kitchen and the smell of freshly baked cookies, heavenly!

One pan going into the oven and one pan coming out.

This was a plate of finished Christmas Cookies all ready for dessert on Christmas Day.  Didn't they look scrumptious? They certainly didn't last long!

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Over the years to save time in the kitchen on Christmas day I have started using paper plates and cups for serving. It certainly keeps things casual and easy throughout the holidays.  But this year I was encouraged by a sister blogger to bring out the china and make the holiday meals more festive and special for my family and guests.  

I did still use plastic cups and paper for the snack table.

There were only five of us on Christmas Eve.  I used the stoneware for that.  However, I must admit to paper plates for breakfast on Christmas morning. 

Everyone enjoyed the annual Christmas morning egg casserole, fruit and homemade cinnamon rolls, baked by my daughter.


For Christmas dinner all the lovely china and crystal stemware came out.  The beautiful hand crochet lace table runner was a gift from a dear family friend who was like an aunt to me growing up.  The china was chosen by The Inspector and myself when we were married almost 43 years ago. I must admit, it certainly made the meal feel so much more festive and special.  I really should use it more often. 

 As we continue to enjoy celebrating the 12 days of Christmas I am looking forward to having a dear cousin come to spend the New Year with us.  I also remember going to an Epiphany Breakfast with an aunt & uncle in Texas a few years ago.  Perhaps I will consider hosting something like that next year.  We shall see.  Meanwhile, let's not walk away from Christmas just yet, let's just keep savoring the season.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given

and the government shall be upon his shoulders

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6