Christmas Cookies

My friend Stacey has hosted a Christmas cookie exchange for the past 3 or 4 years. Most of them I have been able to attend and I thought at first it would just be fun to get together with friends and come away with a bunch of great treats. But when I saw the huge amounts I thought, "There's no way our family can eat all these!" Well, maybe the right phrase would be we shouldn't! Here's a picture of some of the gals who brought the delicious treats. As you can imagine this crowd can make a bunch of cookies!

So every year, I have divided them up and taken them to many of our neighbors. I thought it would just be a fun tradition for the kids and I to do to show love for other people. I did not realize what a huge impact that small thing would do in forming lasting relationships...

Although we didn't bring them to everyone in our cul-de-sac, we were able to deliver to most of them. And what we have experienced as a result has been so amazing I am convinced that we need to continue this tradition every year.

This year Uncle Andy came to help us out with decorating several extra batches of them...

No one will refuse a plate of Christmas cookies.

In fact, this year, two of our neighbors were nearly in tears they were so pleased!

It's not easy to get someone to talk to you when they drive into their garage that closes behind them before going into their house. One couple never comes out except to get in their car (which they park on the street). I happened to be walking past that guy one time as he was getting the newspaper and I said, "hi." He just grunted at me and went back into his house. Maybe I'm too peppy... :)

One gal used to be really cranky with all the neighborhood kids and would avoid glances with anyone while out walking her dogs...

Our next door neighbor I don't think I ever saw until I brought her some cookies.

Since starting this tradition I have become friends with so many of these people. They don't avoid glances anymore, in fact a few began to trust us enough to take care of their yards/homes and animals when they went on vacation. I have developed such close friendships with a few neighbors that we do whole scrapbooking days or game nights together. I don't get grunted at anymore. In fact, I was greeted by a smile this time! Spontaneous conversations on the sidewalk aren't just about weather and trivial issues anymore. I have cried with neighbors over the death of a friend and a loss of a job. We've gotten great advice and support as we've discussed Type 1 diabetes with someone who shares the same disease as Kaiah. Cliff has been mountain biking with one of the guy neighbors. I've even been able to share Christ with a few who are curious. I didn't expect that something so easy, only once a year would lead to so much joy and connection with my neighbors.

I hope it has blessed them. I know it has blessed us!

Passing out Christmas cookies is one tradition that is inexpensive, fun for the kids, and something that we will continue for years to come (Lord willing).