Christmas Cookies

I now present my Christmas cut out cookies.  When you read the ingredients you might think they sound gross.  They are 2 parts Shaull/Russell/Brunmeier family tradition, 1 part delicious and I love them!

Christmas Cookies
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 lb butter (room temp)
2 1/2 cup flour
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
Stir well, roll on floured counter and cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 325* for 10-12 minutes on slightly greased cookie sheet.

Frosting
Confectioners sugar
Milk
Vanilla
Food coloring
You kind of have to eyeball this one, if it looks too runny add more sugar, if it looks too thick add more milk. Careful, a little goes a long way.

Martha's Holiday Tips

Today I came across Martha's tips for a Stress Free Holiday. I have actually done a few of these:

• Draw up a Budget and Gift List Before You Shop. I made a big list before I went shopping, and checked it twice. We also made a budget and are doing pretty good!
• Tackle To Do's in Good Company. My sister-in-law and I did most of our holiday shopping together, and plan to make cookies together as long as schedules cooperate. It's not looking too good for cookie day right now though...
• Buy Baking Staples. I purchased a few baking staples my last trip to the grocery store that was "simple" meaning I wasn't buying items for a pot-luck or dish to pass situation.
• Create a Plan for Holiday Entertaining. I need to work on my plan for hosting Christmas Eve. I haven't quite gotten there yet.
• Make Space in Advance: I assure you my coat closet will never look like this.

What are your stress-free holiday tricks?

I dedicate this house to the Reed Family Christmas (2010)

I wish I could say a la Clark Griswold but alas our story is much different. We did not kick off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols. Instead we put up our faux tree and trimmed it with new ornaments from Canterbury Village. Blue, white and silver.

And then I purchased a pre-lit swag for 50% off from Hobby Lobby, some candle holders from Crate and Barrel, some stockings from Marshalls and some candles from Kohls and for the bargain price of $50 (after discounts and gift cards) I give you our holiday mantle.

This one is my favorite of the tree.

 So what would a Christmas season be without a trip to see good ol St. Nick? Yes, Griffin and Roxy went to see Santa Claus at Chow Hound in Breton Village.

And the best part was how tired they were afterward. Angelic :)

"Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny f*cking Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse."  Enjoy your holiday-ing.

The Holidays

This year we will be in attendance at 11 holiday parties (at least). We're down a couple from last year's 13 and I haven't figured out how that happened, or maybe I just mis-counted.  Last year when we got home from party #13 I cried because the Garmin I received was not the Garmin I actually wanted and the Garmin I wanted was on sale but I couldn't bring myself to go to Target to make the exchange. Too much holiday partying?  I'd say so.  This year I am going to try and approach things a little differently.

• Do not plan a bathroom remodel for the first week of December
• Do not plan a vacation to Vegas for Thanksgiving
• Start Christmas shopping online early
• Take advantage of Black Friday for the best deals
• Plan a weekend to do the big clean... corners, behind furniture, base boards, you know the drill. This is looking like December 18th.
• Begin shopping early for hosting needs (festive plates, napkins, table covers). Save money by going to TJ Maxx and Marshall's
• Im going to *try* to not worry if I don't have a brand new, complicated, impressive cookie recipe for every party
• Wear dresses that are already in the closet with fun, new accessories
• Order the Christmas card now (done today - check!) so I can begin addressing and mailing the week after Thanksgiving.

Here is a shot from our Christmas Party a couple of years ago.  

And here is a sneak peek at the star of our holiday card. I really do think he was having fun