Homemade for Christmas

A Christmas tree plate full of Christmas cookies.

I spent the afternoon today baking cookies with my niece. There’s something to be said about homemade cookies besides their infinitely better taste. The process itself seems to encourage easy conversation and intimate confessions; building family relationships. Just two females working side by side in a kitchen, sharing secrets and deepest desires.

Christmas carols played softly in the background as we talk about her past and why she ended up living with us. I clear up some misinformation, which always seems to occur with her. We talk about her future life, where she might be going, and what she might end up doing; about boyfriends, past and future; about her talents and what she likes and doesn’t like. Cookies it seems force a neutral ground that dispenses animosity. There are many hands-off topics broach able under the guise of baking.

She practices reading, following directions and problem solving. I hand her a package of cookie mix and tell her to go at it, without my help. “We don’t have any oil” she says, reading the recipe. “I can run over to my mom’s, (a half a mile away), and borrow some.”

“Does that make sense?” I ask, “We’re right in the middle of this, and it’s snowing like crazy outside. What could you substitute instead? She didn’t get it. I suggest melting some butter. And she sees that it does look like oil. It works just fine.

The afternoon drifts on as the snow continues falling outside. The oven fills the house and outside with smells of cinnamon and vanilla. The rest of the family drifts in and snatches some of the finished goods, or chunks of unbaked dough.

With the rich traditions of Christmas, making cookies, despite the time they take seems like one that should continue. Even if you use a mix, I suggest that the warmth and smells coming from your homemade cookies are well worth the time spent. It’s a fun way to bring part of you into the gift giving. With all the cooking sites online, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. Start or continue the tradition in your home, and make it a homemade cookie Christmas.