Christmas means….

In my parent’s house, Christmas means my dad setting up his model trains from when he was young and my mom baking in the kitchen, and watching White Christmas with everyone.  Growing up with three siblings my mom used baking as a way to spend time with each of us.  We used to choose a Christmas cookie that we wanted to bake and Mom would spend time with each of us individually.  It’s something that we continue to do to this day.  My dad set up his trains this year – which has been really fun to see!  His trains are at least 50+ years old and is so fun to see the train, the lights, and hear the train whistles.

Every year for as long as I can remember, I have made 7 layer bars.  The best part about these is that they’re super easy to make.  Check out the recipe and try them this year – you won’t be disappointed.  They’re probably my favorite cookie of all and the funny thing is I only make them for Christmas, probably because of the memories I have of making them with my mom.

Another part of the holidays for us is to watch the old, Bing Crosby film, White Christmas.  My grandmother used to love to watch musicals with my mom and aunts, and my mom has passed down her love for musicals to all of us.  It’s so much fun to see my brothers sing along to the songs in White Christmas and now that my brother is married we’ve shown the film to my sister-in-law as well and she has become part of the tradition as well (even singing along).

Christmas is my favorite time of year and I can’t wait to celebrate this year with my family!  Enjoy the holidays!