Twenty-six years ago in a small apartment in Garland, Texas, a tradition was born. I was a mere three-years-old when Great Grandma Ada’s sugar cookies and the family cream cheese frosting made their first annual Christmas Cookie Party appearance. I don’t remember much (okay, anything) about that afternoon, but it must have been a big hit. Just like it has been every year since.
Most years, these cookie extravaganzas happened on the afternoon of the last day of school before Christmas Break. We would come home from school, each of us with a friend, to find the kitchen table overflowing with cookies of all shapes, icing of all colors, and enough sprinkles and candies to make sweeping the floor memorable for several weeks to come. The Osmonds would serenade us while we giggled, licked our fingers, and put together plates of dozens of overly-frosted Christmas cookies.
As a kid, I thought these magical afternoons just happened. I mean, I guess I knew on some level that mom did it, but I don’t think it ever really connected for me that she was spending hours making and baking and prepping and then cleaning up.
I think that’s one of the lessons of growing up.
Holiday magic can be a lot of work. (Bless those mamas of ours.)
But there’s an upside.
And that is that sharing holiday magic by passing on traditions-seeing your kid’s eyes light up just like yours did 25 years earlier-it’s magic. On a whole new level. It’s like seeing Christmas cookies again for the first time, but in high def.
I wasn’t really prepared for that last year. It surprised me. And my baby was only 7 months old, so our tradition-passing was pretty limited. Even so, watching him stare at the Christmas tree and picking out his first ornament to start his own collection and reading the simplest of Christmas board books-it filled my Christmas-loving-soul to the brim. One year later, he’s a rowdy 18-month-old who loves a dance party, and while I’m completely in love with the sugar cookie party tradition, I just can’t convince myself that bowls of frosting and sprinkles and such with his… energy… is my best idea. So, we went simple. This is the Easy-Peasy Sugar Cookie recipe that requires no overnight chilling-goodness; it’s something like 30 minutes from start to finish. Love. That.
- 1 c. salted butter
- 2 c. sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 3/4 c. canola oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cream of tartar
- 5 c. flour
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add everything else.
- Roll into balls.
- Press straight down with a fork, making perpendicular lines.
- Add sprinkles!
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
He’s just old enough to kind of help me dump in the ingredients. Old enough to be a cookie dough snitch (one more piece of evidence, my friends, that he is my child).
And definitely old enough to make a complete mess of the kitchen. (Which is why we’re outside eating the cookies. I needed to step out and breathe deeply before I headed back in to tackle the cookie aftermath.)
We’re eat-on-the-go kind of people around here.
This handsome little dude got his outfit from Macy’s. I love that he looks like a mini-man, all grown up with his sweater and jeans. Holiday dressing can get boring with the same old reds and greens, but this guy looks perfectly festive and ready to hit those holiday dance parties I mentioned he loves so much. Macy’s has all kinds of options for kids-from the Minions and Frozen prints to fully put together Nautica outfits, you’re sure to find exactly what you (and the kids!) are looking for. And because we like you, we’re giving away a $100 gift card to Macy’s!
To enter for a chance to win, tell us in the comments below: what would be first on your Macy’s holiday wish list?
Sweepstakes Rules: No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: 1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post 2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post 3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post 4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 12/8/2014 – 12/25/2014. Be sure to visit the Macy’s Kids Holiday brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
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I would love to get some new shoes at Macy’s if I won this one.
I have been in need of a good winter coat. The one I have now has seen better days and not as warm as it once was.
Pajamas for my kids are at the top of my list.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/542121791079317504
The first thing on my Macy’s holiday wish list is a holiday dress for those holiday parties this year.
Posted via Twitter: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/542167386720194562
I would love to have a new women’s faux leather jacket in black! That is on the top of my wish list right now.
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/542168812259672064
I would love some new pajamas – and could always go for a new pair of shoes!!
I would get a cashmere sweater
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/542205245657317376
i want makeup
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/542278970654597120
A new pair of Boots and a cashmere sweater for the Holidays!
Tweet Entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/542314799447941120
I would get the Rampage Ivory 50/50 Stretch Boots.
https://twitter.com/618mom23boys/status/542327479193858048
I love family recipes and traditions! If I won the giftcard I think I would buy the hubby and kids some new jeans 🙂
I’d get some epic threads for my daughter! A holiday dress. Love Macy’s!
Jeans for my kiddos! Those pics are SO cute!! My Mom just took my kids for a mini shopping spree at Macy’s and got some great deals.
I’d love to get some nice work shirts for my husband.
Super cute cookies! My boys would love helping me make these.
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/love_thekitchen/status/542456506805784576
I would like a new coat, such as the London Fog Faux-Fur Hooded Down Puffer Coat.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/542461085278691328
I am in need of new sheets.
Tweet!~
https://twitter.com/Deb55106/status/542467876272496641
My three daughters and I all need some new pants, and other clothes. Plus maybe some for my husband and son (just kidding, of course we’ll get them something too).
I would grab a couple last minute Christmas gifts for the Hubs. 🙂
I would love to win this to buy myself some new clothes
Clothes or Shoes!!
I just found out we’re expecting our first little one so I would buy clothes for the new baby. Kaitlindotbolesatgmaildotcomkaitli
Congratulations!! So exciting. And baby clothes shopping is pretty much the best.
Clothes for my oldest! He is growing so fast!
A new winter coat for my son!
The first thing on my Macy’s list would be the Keurig 2.0.
The Carter’s Owl Pajamas for my daughters pryfamily5@gmail.com
I tweeted https://twitter.com/thepryfamily2/status/542899599053045760 pryfamily5@gmail.com
There is so many things I would like starting with a KitchenAid Stand Mixer a $100 would be a start on it. To be more down to earth I’d like a Toaster Oven or maybe a pair of riding boots for my horse therapy.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/donnasquaw/status/543048859685908480
Good moisturizer or lipstick.
Looks like cookie making and eating was so much fun!
I would love to get a new pair of winter/rain boots.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/543114650502840320
Oh what a great recipe and amazing giveaway!!! So many great options at Macys!! Im torn between something for the kitchen or a couple new outfits for the holidays!
Pick me! I’d love to have their easy spirit pedrina booties!
I would get some dresses for my girls.
A kitchenaid mixer would be first on my Macy’s holiday wish list.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/543246382845280256
Tweet: https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/543268775525507073
New leather boots!
I love Macy’s! I need to shop1
Fisher Price Kids’ City Skyways Toy is on my list
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/543503764242460673
I would probably get something practical like a new pan
Dooney & Bourke Pebble Charleston Shopper
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/543892386233868289
I’d buy a black peacoat.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/543898412480208896
I haven’t been to Macy’s in forever but would love to go and check out their boots! Last time I saw some that were so cute!
Clothes for my kids!
A new cozy robe and pair of slippers is first on my Macy’s wish list!
I need to get a new perfume and I always love their selection!
i would like a new winter jacket
tweet https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/544182030875893760
Visited and my favorite item is KitchenAid KSM75WH Classic Plus 4.5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer
I’d love a new pair of leather boots!
My mom has just recently started shopping at Macy’s because they have such great sales. I would clean out the clearance racks! 🙂
I would love to get some designer jeans in size 32×34– maybe True Religion or Seven For All Mankind.
The Fossil Morgan Leather Top Zip Crossbody purse would be #1 on my Macy’s wish list.
I would begin updating my own wardrobe – I’ve done lots of shopping for my kids recently!
First up wold be some new boots!
We could definitely use some new pots and pans so that would probably be first on my wish list!
The First Impressions Baby Girls’ Plaid Taffeta Dress is adorable!!!
I’d like an interview outfit. I saw a nice pantsuit on sale for $99 – wowie!
Free People Peek-A-Boo Cap-Sleeve Lace Dress… TISS THE SEASON!
https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/545285271336812544
I’d be excited for a Michael Kors bag!
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
The Penelope Mack Little Girls’ Sparkle Bow-Front Dress is on my wish list!
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/545544620013142017
I would buy my new granddaughter clothes and whatever else my son and daughter in law think they need for her. She was born on Dec 16th.
Congrats on your new arrival! Baby shopping is so much fun.
Our favorite tradition is baking together as a family!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/545680093537120256
i love love a new handbag
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/545702505309417473
I would get some new black shoes!
LOVE reading your posts Natalie, and love cute little Benson! I would use the gift card to by myself some boots 🙂
I would buy some new shoes, and a dress for preference!
Love the pic of Nat and Kellie!
Top of my Macy’s wish list: boots. I’ve been needing a new pair for a while.
Oh what I wouldn’t give for a nice new work outfit. Skirt and blouse combo? 🙂
Here is the link to my twitter post: https://twitter.com/laneycath/status/546133587838246912 thanks for the opportunity and sweet story about sugar cookies and traditions
Entry # 2 what would be first on your Macy’s holiday wish list?
I think my sister would like NY Collection Sleeveless Lace A-Line Dress Web ID: 1777671 Reg. $80.00
Sale $39.99
I would love a new handbag.
Since I’m a sucker for kitchen toys, the Pasta Roller Attachment Set for my KitchenAid Stand Mixer is at the top of my wish list, and I see that it’s on sale at Macy’s website. I think it’s time to drop a hint or two. 😉
I tweeted about your sweet blog post and the Macy’s giveaway; here’s the link:
https://twitter.com/NotherAnneOther/status/546375702564859904
Thank you!
I really need all new clothes for work. That is what I would get.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/546803308846137344
Definitely a nice coat!
I would love to get the The North Face Boys’ or Little Boys’ Resolve Rain Jacket for my son.
I think new boots would be at the top of my list from Macy’s.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/547001293940617216
I need a new basic black dress so it would be the Connected Petite Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress in black http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/connected-petite-cowl-neck-sweater-dress?ID=1737634&CategoryID=61894&LinkType=#fn=PAGEINDEX%3D2%26sp%3D2%26spc%3D190%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D59
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/547059641231093760
NYDJ Petite Alina Denim Leggings, Natural Wash Web ID: 1966230
tvollowitz at aol dot com
First, would be some snow pants for my two sons. Just found out that they’ve overgrown the ones that they had.
Thanks so much.
I tweeted; https://twitter.com/peg42/status/547162397430251520
Thanks again.
An Effy ring
I want the MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Saffiano Leather Tote.
austma7@aol.com
If I could choose something for myself I would ask for the Nautica Grey Anchors Top and Capri Pajama Pants. Thank you!!
probably some new sheets, bedding or shams. Ours is ruined by the kids!!
Thank you!
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/547209832806486016
The first thing on my wish list is a sterling birthstone ring.
thank you
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/547212256065236992
Matching Elf on the Shelf jammies for the grands.
I would love to get the Chinese Laundry Riley 50/50 Over-the-Knee Stretch Boots
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/547299882902384640
New pajamas
the first thing on my Macy’s list would be to buy myself a new purse.
I would love some new pans like the T-Fal Grand Chef Ceramic Nonstick 8″ & 10″ Fry Pan Set
I could use some new sweaters.
My kids all need new church clothes. I really like the Ralph Lauren girls striped fit and flare dress.
Oh my gosh, there is just so much to choose from! One thing I’d love to get my daughter is the JS Boutique Ombre Sequin V-Neck Dress 🙂 Super pretty and fun. Something I think she’d like 🙂
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/547522626042601474
New shoes!
Jeans for the whole family!
On the top of my Macy’s wish list is a warm winter jacket.
my son needs a good pair of boots that are warm and waterproof his were stolen
I like the Calvin Klein Elm Comforter and Duvet Cover Set. Thank you for the giveaway!
Running shoes!!
A new pair of boots is first on my wishlist
I would buy more work clothes!! kimstclair39@yahoo.com
If I won, I would use the GC to get new sheets for my bed because we are down to just one set! I love the ones found here: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/ralph-lauren-rl-464-percale-sheet-collection?ID=947989&CategoryID=9915#bottomArea
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/547772510235033600
I would love a pair of the Calvin Klein Jeans Modern Bootcut Jeans, Blue Camel Wash
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/547835193671692288
I’d love some new cute boots!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/547852331853701120
first on my macy’s wish list would be a new pair of shoes
My wishlist includes these: BEARPAW Tessa Cold Weather Boots – A Macy’s Exclusive
Either a pair of Bearpaw boots or Ugg boots for my daughter
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/547925129565442048
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I would love some winter clothes!
I need new comfy and warm pajamas!
The NY Collection B-Slim Three-Quarter-Sleeve Dress!
Link to tweet:
https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/547965453532819456
Thank you!
I want a white skirt my daughter and myself!
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/547983611912523777
I would get some new pajamas for my kids!
A dress for my wedding would be at the top of the list.
I like the Charter Club Cashmere Long-Sleeve Crew-Neck Sweater. Lovely and soft.
Thanks for the contest.
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/548007568564445185
I’d like to get the Disney’s Frozen Friends Silk Touch Plush Throw for my granddaughter because I think it’s going to stay a favorite for a long time.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/548020663639093248
I could use a new purse really badly right now.
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/548050539255443457
I would get the Carter’s Baby Boys’ 3-Piece Jacket, Bodysuit & Pants Set.
First on my Macy’s wishlish would be a new set of dishes 🙂
The first thing on my list would be the Robbie Bee Plus Size Infinity Scarf Colorblock Sweater Dress. It is so pretty. Love it! In fact there are a lot of dresses on my list now. Hehe.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/iiiyadirf/status/548129503344480257
a michael kors bag!
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/548145662832177153
A dress for New Year’s Eve is the first thing on my Macy’s holiday wish list.
longbarb11@aol.com
The first thing would be a Tommy Hilfiger jacket.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/548171309164023809
I would buy my child clothes
We love baking cookies and eating them with hot cocoa ^_^
Tweet: https://twitter.com/um_lil_cutie/status/548227353965789184
I would add a set of dishes.
Some cute tall boots.
I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/548242242184294400
On my wishlist is this new jacket: Nautica Zip-Front Wool-Blend Jacket
https://twitter.com/ThatTuxedoCat/status/548248495514079232
I would get the KitchenAid KSM150PS Artisan 5 Qt. Stand Mixer.
i would love a new comforter for my bed
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/548264546184728576
I would like the mens Calvin Klein Hooded Knit-Bib Water-Resistant Windbreaker
NY Collection B-Slim Faux-Wrap Body-Shaper Dress.
A new pair of riding boots would at the top of my Macy’s Christmas list!
tweet – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/548324626783162368