One of the best things about having children and your own family is the ability to start your own traditions. Of course we often carry over those from our own childhood but this year I am excited about a new tradition to all of us.
A few weeks ago I was praying in the car and was overwhelmed with gratitude that I have Jesus in my life after 27 years without Him. I suddenly realized that I am doing NOTHING to tell others about Him or give them the opportunity to know Him. I am so grateful to those in my life that introduced me to Jesus and never gave up on me until the truth finally sank in. I need to remember to do that for other people around me.
So, in conjunction with a quieter, Jesus centered Christmas season where we have cleared much of our schedule and are trying to avoid the malls and over consumption, we started our new tradition. This year I decided to make small gifts for our neighbors (20 of them to be exact) that would consist of a variety of cookies and a card/note telling them that “Jesus is the reason for the season” with an invitation to celebrate His birthday at our church with us. I was grateful to have an easy, relaxed way to reach out to our neighbors and show God’s love.
For the past week I have been making cookie dough like a madwoman. Yesterday I had a bake-a-thon and got all the goodies ready. I have been working on the cards for the past few days and tonight we put them all together (while trying to referee Isaac away from all the cookies – though I think he snuck 3 or so) and delivered them to our neighbors. It was so much fun and everyone was really surprised and grateful for the gesture. We also met a lot of neighbors we didn’t know! It was added fun in the snow and both boys did awesome. We have decided to make this an annual tradition and who knows, maybe next year we’ll make 40!
I do have to say, I thought I would be stressed in doing this but I wasn’t at all. I quite enjoyed it and I felt so aligned with God’s intention for us during this very special time of year!
Now, a step-by-step guide…
1. Start with buying candy and baking cookies…
2. Bake more cookies…
3. Get a taste tester 
4. Bake more cookies…
5. Keep baking (I recommend making the dough ahead of time and freezing so all you do is bake the day before)
6. Find some entertainment while you are in the kitchen
7. Bake even more cookies and frost them if you dare. For an added challenge, flavor the frosting
Red = peppermint and Green = almond
8. Pull all the goodies together!
9. Make sure your cards/notes are ready…
10. Arrange cookies for each gift…
11. Wrap it up, add a card and a candy cane…
12. Make them festive…
13. Line them all up…
14. Get out the snow gear, the sled, flashlights and a smile, go door to door and have fun!
15. When it’s all done and said, come home and warm up with hot cocoa and leftover cookies!
Merry Christmas everyone and remember, Jesus IS the reason for the Christmas season. Our family hopes you are finding a special way to celebrate His birthday this year.
