Happy Holidays Everyone 
For those of you that don’t know, we have a tradition in our family started by my Grandma Hillery that every year in December we get together and bake and decorate gingerbread cookies. This started when I was only 2 (and was the only guest at the party!) and has now evolved to include all of my cousins, good friends, and our kids!!
We have hosted the past few years as the parties get bigger and bigger and have outgrown my grandma’s condo and this year we had 14 people all rolling, cutting and decorating as well as listening to Christmas music, eating and enjoying each others’ company. Our guests included Grandma, My Aunt Jana (and her grandaughter – too young to enjoy the dough but happy to be here all the same!), Cousin Michael, Cousin Lauren, Cousin Gabby, Brother Chris, Justin, and high school friends Jim and Jessica Scott and their girls, Allison and Chloe. Braelyn had a great time this year and Matt & I are always so excited to see her when she is having so much fun!
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in all of the Holiday hustle and bustle and we forget what this time of year is really about. It’s not about presents or shopping or buying things, but it’s more about the simple things like dinner and singing and talking and making cookies together with people you care about. Hopefully you get to do a few of those things this season before it passes us all by.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year!!
Love,
MLB Mama
December 13th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
absolutely!!! love the way that you think — so you won’t be bummed when you don’t get any presents from us, right? just kidding! everyone looks like they had a jolly holly good time – thanks for carrying on the tradition!
December 14th, 2008 at 2:53 am
Looks like great fun. Maybe we’ll start this tradition up here in the Pines
I’d love to get the recipe for those cookies, too. I am looking for a good gingerbread cookie recipe!
December 14th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Hey All, looks like great fun….most importantly, you’re right……family, food, fun….not in any particular order. G. Sheri, Kyleigh and I made “tons” of lasagna yesterday.
Actually, G. Sheri did all the work, Kyleigh and I supervised. IMHO…family “traditions” are the most important part of the season. Thanx for introducing the gingerbread tradition to “B”. Love you All, AC
December 15th, 2008 at 1:38 am
I remember when your grandma started this wonderful tradition with you. You have a special grandma. I always treasured the times
I spent with her. It is awesome Lisa you are
keeping those special times for your families.
Merry Christmas and God bless
Nora
December 26th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Lisa….
Really enjoyed your letter and the pictures.
Sounds like you had quite a houseful for the
cookie bake.
Our love to all,
Aunt Doris and Uncle Max