December | 2011 | Arlyn Lawrence

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN DAY 2: FAMILY COOKIE RECIPES

“A balanced diet is a Christmas cookie in each hand.” ~Anonymous

I am Scottish on my mom’s side–which makes me predisposed to love things like Celtic music and dancing (love the bagpipes and the Highland Fling!), plaid, argyle, woolen scarves, and SHORTBREAD. (The tightfisted-with-money part of being Scottish somehow escaped me, which I’m a little sad about because I think that might have been a helpful quality. Oh well, you can’t have everything.)

Today I am baking Christmas cookies with my girls. This shortbread recipe has been in my family since who knows when and is my earliest memory of a FAVORITE Christmas cookie. And the dough tastes great, too! Hayley made this batch.

Whipped Shortbread: 1 c soft butter, 1-3/4 c flour, 1/2 c icing sugar, maraschino cherries. Cream butter thoroughly. Combine and add dry ingredients at low speed on blender. Roll in small balls, press in a piece of maraschino to the top of each. Bake @ 325 for 13 minutes.

I believe it’s important to not just make DELICIOUS foods on holidays, but to make them with MEANINGFUL recipes. The kind that evoke memories of special people and special times–or that make you feel connected to whom and where you came from. For our family, that means the Lawrence family’s ubiquitous Chocolate Crinkles and Snickerdoodles. Muddy Buddy’s a la Auntie Deanna. Grandma Magner’s Nuts ‘n Bolts. And for Christmas dinner, Aunt Ethel’s Cranberry Christmas pudding (simmered on the stove top in a coffee can to be especially authentic). With caramel sauce. Num.

Family traditions are important. Family is important, period. Whom and where you came from is an important part of who you are, whether you like it (or them) or not. It keeps you connected to the bigger picture in life.

I am grateful for a family who loves God, loves each other, loves me, and loves Christmas cookies. 🙂

“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother … and your mother … And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” 2 Timothy 1:5

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN DAY 1: EGGNOG IN MY COFFEE

“Many merry Christmases, friendships, great accumulation of cheerful recollections, affection on earth, and Heaven at last for all of us.” ~Charles Dickens

Ten days till Christmas and, as usual, I have more plans than time.

Major priority for my Christmas season: start every day with eggnog in my coffee AND drink it out of a Christmas mug. Take a deep breath and pray for perspective. (And put Christmas music on the stereo so everyone wakes up in the Christmas mood. Today’s first pick: Josh Groban. Gotta love that voice singing anything, but ESPECIALLY Christmas music. Listen to Thankful.)

Counting my blessings today. Thinking of friends who have lost loved ones and who will have empty places at their Christmas table this year, especially the family whose son’s funeral we attended this afternoon. Gone too soon, too sadly.

I’m not shooting for the most perfect Christmas ever. Just one that shows my family and friends how much I love them and how grateful I am for their presence in my life. Their presence. Not their presents. Even though the presents are fun, too. 🙂

Prayers with my morning coffee, especially for those who are missing loved ones. Grace and peace. And the ability to give thanks for the blessings and people we have around us every day.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ~Colossians 3:15