Christmas Cookies and Holiday Memories

Christmas is a time we reminisce. There is something special about the holiday season that brings back memories of family traditions and special times together. It is a time for joy, laughter, eating too much food, presents, and just being together. Family and friends join in the celebration of that special day!                                                                                        Each of us has our own story and today I want to share a few happy bits and pieces of mine with you, and at the end of this blog there will be a space where you too can share things that bring you joy this time of year. Remembering the joys of past Christmases brings a smile to our faces and reminds us of what gives us happiness.  

Writing down many of those holiday times can be important. What was Christmas like ten years ago? Who was with you? What did you do that year? Journal so you will be able to go back and read stories of those days. Some of those you read about will no longer be here and others have been born.  

I still go back and read stories from years past. Reading your thoughts about life past, present, and future is a celebration of life. Those words can bring joy, a sense of nostalgia, and an appreciation for now-the present time.

I remember the Christmas programs at church where I learned to sing Christmas carols. The last song was always Silent Night. All the adults had tiny candles and the lights were turned off, so there was only acapella singing and candlelight. As the song ended everyone blew out their candle and quietly left without saying a word.  

At home there was always our decorated tree, stockings were hung, milk and cookies set out for Santa, and of course, everyone had to go to bed early so Santa could come.  

Sweet memories of Christmas morning when the air smelled fresh. Running to the tree to find presents with your name on them. Opening them and making a huge, fun mess with wrapping paper. Happy times! 

Happy times, in our family, also requires food, and lots of it. I remember the sweet aroma of cookies baking in the oven. My favorite was and still is refrigerator peanut butter cookies. My Mother, Mary Opal McGee, and Maw Brown made the best! They were the old-fashioned kind made from scratch, formed into a roll, and put in the refrigerator to chill until the oven was ready. Then she baked them crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. 

Yummy! The aroma of peanut butter and sugar filled the house and made everything festive and bright. 

A REMINDER: This recipe is old-fashioned. Adapt to your own personal needs and enjoy!  

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Refrigerator Cookies  

½ cup crunchy peanut butter 

1/3 cup shortening 

½ cup white sugar 

2/3 cup brown sugar 

2 eggs 

1 teaspoon vanilla 

Stir together peanut butter, shortening, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until creamy. Then slowly add flour and stir well. 

Shape into two long rolls and put them on wax paper. Refrigerate overnight. 

Slice and bake at 350. Bake 6-8 minutes depending on the thickness of the slice.  

Soo good!  

Time to get busy decorating, but first I wanted to drop by and wish you the best-est Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and Happy New Year that you could ever have!   

May this season bring you joy and love to treasure forever as you create new memories, recipes, stories, and fun times.  

Have a favorite memory, recipe, or story? Feel free to share! Spread the joy and calories!