We usually read a Christmas-based story, something to help us keep our focus on the true reason for the holiday. This year it was The Story of the Other Wise Man. We read half of the book on Christmas Eve, and finished up Christmas morning. Written in 1896, the story remains relevant and very moving.
We also read the story of the birth of Christ from Luke chapter 2, pointing out the original and most important Christmas present. This was read just prior to moving onto the lesser, yet incredibly tangible, gifts under the tree.
We also gather everyone in the kitchen and make our traditional Christmas cookies. These are delightful little morsels which truly do melt in your mouth. The cookie is basically a pastry (pie crust) sweetened by the frosting within. They do require a substantial amount of effort so working together ensures that consumption may commence sooner rather than later. Lacking an adequately sized cookie cutter, we use the two halves of a tea ball.
In the spirit of sharing good things during this holiday, I have included the recipe for anyone who would like to try these. One warning in advance though...they are very addicting. Once you finish the last one, you just might be inclined to whip up another batch.
1 C. Butter
1/3 C. Whipping Cream
2 Cups Flour
Granulated Sugar
Mix butter, cream and flour thoroughly. Chill for 1 hour. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough 1/8" thick on lightly floured board. Cut into 1 1/2" rounds. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Prick four lines of holes with a fork and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until slightly puffy. Allow to cool completely. Put two cookies together with filling (below). Makes about 5 dozen cookies.
Creamy Filling
1/4 C. Soft Butter
3/4 C. Powdered Sugar
3 tsp. Whipping cream
1 tsp. Vanilla
Blend together until smooth. Tint and flavor as desired. (We usually split the filling into two parts. One is tinted pink and the other is tinted green. We also add 3-5 drops of peppermint oil to the green.)
