Christmas Cookies in Style

As I've mentioned before, Christmas is something we do big around here. And if we ever struggle to find the time to get into the true Christmas spirit, Dad always seems to have a remedy :).

This year, it was with the cookies.

We usually get into Christmas cookies- just like anything else Christmas. We seem to have the same few favorites that we make yearly: gingersnaps, sugar cookie cutouts, white peppermint fudge, etc. Making Christmas cookies in our cozy kitchen with a Christmas station playing and the snow falling... oh, it brings back lots of memories :).


making cookies in 2013 (in our old kitchen!)

and 2014

But this year, Dad decided to have some fun with Christmas cookie baking - not that it isn't already fun, but just something different. Okay, okay, I'll get to the punch line.

A Christmas Cookie Bake-off!

Dad's plan was for everyone to bake their own Christmas cookie and then we would have the neighbors over to taste each one and judge on creativity and taste
(basically our own Christmas version of Chopped :)). Dad came up with the idea back in the beginning of November and got us excited about it. By the time the actual week rolled around, it turned out we were crazy busy and in turn rather frustrated with the whole idea as we had to get ingredients and bake six different types of cookies in the midst of everything else going on - while being competitive at the same time! (some of us were up till 11 baking cookies, others up at 4:30. Did I say crazy?) But in the end, it was a great way to start off the Christmas season and now we have a freezer full of Christmas cookies :).

We actually went Christmas caroling to a local nursing home with the neighbors first and then enjoyed watching them 'judge' our cookies back here at our house! 

did I mention Dad got pretty serious about this?! Judging cards and everything...

Kenan made little corn flake wreaths with Dad's help... didn't taste them, but apparently they were good because they got first place :). He was as pleased as punch and will not let us forget about his victory anytime soon.

Mom came in for a close second with her meringue candy canes! 

Dad was third with his sugar cookie hot chocolate cups! (don't trust the handles :)). 

Peppermint Mocha cookies made by yours truly...

Lily made peanut butter reindeer cookies! 

 and Jared created these sugar cookie swirls! 

And in case you're counting, there are seven of us and only six cookies... you have my permission to chew Marcus out next time you see him :). 

They judged by a point system without knowing who's cookie was whose... it was entertaining :). 

Not sure if the Christmas Cookie Bake-off will become a tradition or not, but it was fun this year!! It was surprising to see what everyone came up with... in my opinion they were all festive and creative! It really was a great family activity, so thanks, Dad! I'm so glad you're such a Christmas fan :). 

Last but not least, the first snow was a nice surprise! It was such perfect packing snow and when we heard that Grandpa was in Princeville building a snowman in his yard by himself, we couldn't resist. While I hate being cold with a passion, I can't help but love the big puffy flakes like the ones that fell on Sunday. Those flakes and the sparkle snow has when it's freshly fallen almost compensates for the cold... almost. -Faith