A Merry Christmas Glow

It’s hard to believe that the year 2020 is coming to a close and we are one step closer to putting this year behind us. For many of us, this year has been filled with loss, loneliness and more challenges that we could ever predict. It seems a bit senseless to be celebrating the holiday season when we are still experiencing a pandemic. But I think with everything going on its important to celebrate and find joy in this treacherous year. Our holiday seasons will be different this year but we can all still embrace our holiday glows! I’m sharing some of my favorite holiday recipes and tips to sleigh through this holiday season! Enjoy!

The annual Christmas cookie tray is a must in our house and we fill it to the brim with different kinds of cookies and treats that satisfy all our festive cravings! I’ve always loved baking for the holidays and I have been baking A LOT during this pandemic. With the holiday season I’m excited to start my holiday baking and this cookie recipe is not something to skip!

Christmas M&M Cookies: You'll need about a 1/2 a bag of plain holiday m&ms.

1/2 cup butter (melted)

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 and 1/2 cups flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup plain m&ms

1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Beat butter, sugar and brown sugar until combined. Add in the vanilla extract and the egg. Stir together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Beat until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and m&ms into batter. Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch ball and place on parchment covered baking sheet. Bake 12 minutes at 350.

If you are looking for more of a traditional treat for your small holiday get together try this cookie recipe.

Holiday Sugar Cookies

3 cups flour

¾ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup butter (softened)

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt. Set aside. In stand mixer beat butter and sugar on medium speed until combined. Add eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Add in flour mixture and stir on low until combine. Divide dough in half and form each half into a rectangle shape, about ½ inch thick. Wrap pieces in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. Bake 7-9 minutes at 350F.

Some of you may already have decorated your home for the holidays and some of you may just be starting to trim the tree! Check out these décor tips that will enhance your holiday décor game!

Make your house smell like Christmas: Fill a pot with water, orange slices, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, fresh cranberries, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks and Christmas tree stems and let simmer on stove. Within minutes your home will be smelling like a Christmas town in a Hallmark movie!

Decorate your tables: Adding garland down the middle of your dining table with some votives or a diminutive tree on your side table adds a little Christmas magic to your tabletops without going overboard.

Spruce up your entryway: Line your front door with a garland of lush greenery or hang a joyful wreath.

Place wrapped presents under the tree: Wrapping your gifts ahead of time will save you time later and they can be used as a decoration under your tree! Don’t forget to add some fun wrapping paper and ribbons!

Add accent holiday pillows and throws: I can’t be the only one who puts cozy blankets on my Christmas list every year. During the holiday season many stores have festive pillows and plaid blankets that can add warmth and holiday cheer to any room!

Add extra twinkle lights to your tree: I love when the only lights on in my home is the Christmas tree! By adding extra lights to the tree you can really showcase your ornaments and It adds a homey and coziness to the holidays!

Due to the pandemic, our holiday parties are going to look a little different this year. But just because it’s a low-key Christmas doesn’t mean we still can’t have some fun! Try a few or all of these activities to make your holiday the best one yet!

Have an appetizer baking competition. I think we can all admit we watched a lot of the food network during the pandemic and this is the opportunity to try out your cooking skills!

Checkout your neighborhood's Christmas lights.

Plan a board game night! CAUTION: some games can get heated!

Enjoy the snow: build a snowman, go sledding or just take a walk in the snow.

Create a hot chocolate bar: A hot chocolate bar adds a fun activity to your party that your guests will not pass on.

I hope these holiday tips and recipes encourage you to find joy this holiday season and embrace your holiday glow! Tune in soon for more holiday fun! Until next time, happy holidays!