This time of year has a tendency to pass by in the blink of an eye. From dinner parties to tree trimmings, homes are all abuzz with the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season. As they say, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” and this year’s holiday season has proved to be just that, especially as I experience it through the eyes of my son who will turn one on Christmas Eve.
In my mind, when I think about past holidays, one word comes to mind. Traditions.
My immediate and extended family still meet up at the same Christmas tree farm. The Christmas Eve party is always hosted by my parents and attended by my Mom’s side of the family. Christmas Eve mass is always held at the church down the street from my parent’s house. Christmas morning is always spent around my parent’s tree as we open presents in our jammies and Santa hats. Soon after the presents comes breakfast complete with eggs and Canadian bacon. Then, we get the house ready for the other side of the family to arrive for the Christmas Day celebration.
Traditions infuse celebrations with the holiday spirit. Traditions are the backbone of the holiday season. Traditions help make memorable holiday celebrations.
This is the first year that my husband and I will be able to introduce our child to holiday traditions. Even though we grew up with our own family traditions, we both know and understand the importance of traditions. Being long distance from my immediate and extended family can be difficult, especially during the holidays. Yet, traditions are what shorten the distance. By bringing some of holiday traditions into my home, family doesn’t seem so far away.
To say that it’s been enjoyable discussing what traditions we want to keep and what traditions we want to introduce would be an understatement. Trying to figure out ways to make this time of year special for our son has only helped to make me fall in love with the holiday season all over again.
From going to a Christmas tree farm to decorating our home. From placing Christmas lights on our new house to baking cookies. From witnessing the Christmas lights flicker in his eyes to watching him become best friends with the Christmas tree.
This time of year, with all of the traditions that come with it, is magical and full of wonderment, especially through the eyes of a child.
Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet of Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a mixer to cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and mix together. Pour in the vanilla and blend until combined.
- Pour the flour, baking soda, salt, and hot cocoa packet in a medium bowl and mix until combined. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
- Use an ice cream scooper to form tablespoonfuls of the dough. Place the dough on the baking sheet two inches apart.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored by Starbucks. I fell in love with their hot cocoa when I was pregnant. To this day, I love having the hot cocoa in my house … just in case I get a craving.
Definitely. This time of year always flys by. I always have a huge list of stuff I'd like to bake, and then end up making half of it! I love this recipe. Simple and delicious!