OHSue

I was doing my Christmas baking the past two nights. I was remembering doing this with my mom when I was young, and it wasn't really a good memory. My mom was known in our neighborhood and church as a great baker. She was always there with a cake or cookies if you had a shower or wedding. Later she started doing wedding cakes. She would make over 20 kinds of cookies, starting months ahead of time and storing them in a freezer. She made huge quantities, some things we mixed in dishwashing tubs. She made delicate pastries. But she also had two assistants (me and my sis) who did the work while she directed.

Those cookies were stored until December 24 and then they were put out on our dining room table, not to be eaten until Christmas Day. When we got older we would stay up until midnight just to attack the cookies. She would restock on Christmas in case of visitors, but after that the cookies stayed in the freezer, not to be eaten by we kids.

But if word got back to my mom that there was someone having a baby shower, wedding, funeral..... out came the cookies. Still only the broken ones went to the kids at home.

So tonight, while I was baking, and my son is hanging over me and burning his fingers trying to eat cookies off the pans.... I didn't scold him. And when my husband cut into the bars and ate a bunch of them..... I didn't scold him. When some fudge seemed to magically disappear (was it the cat? cause no one else is speaking up) I didn't complain. Because I don't have anybody more important to bake for. I don't think my mother ever caught onto that, and she really missed the chance to share something special with her family.

And if you are doing some special baking or cooking for the holidays, don't hold back, the neigbors will never be as grateful as your family.

Treasureit

What a lesson you have learned - and what a blessing to your family! Thanks for sharing.

ptquilts

Thank you so much for sharing this. THese kind of lessons really stay with you. DH (age 71) still remembers how his mom would go all out for "company" and how it made him feel like he, and the family, weren't good enough for her best effort.

Also makes me remember how my mom, sis, and I made Christmas cookies every year, until she passed when I was 9. They were the kind you roll out and cut in shapes, our job was to sprinkle colored sugar on them. Lots of fun and good memories.

Olivia's Grammy

So true. 99% of the time I let DH eat some of whatever I'm making/baking to take to church.

Pink Dogwood

Cookie baking at our house is a family fun time. Our new son-in-law couldn't believe it when DH stuck his thumb in one making "a dud" that had to be eaten because it wasn't perfect. SIL loved the idea, but when he helped his DM she wasn't as thrilled with the idea, but it is our house they come to help with cookies. We think we know why!!! It is fun and we make new memories each year!! Merry Chirstmas to all!!

bakermom

my favorite memory is my whole family sitting aroung the kitchen table after supper frosting and decorating cut out cookies. I did the same with my kids and they are continueing the tradition with theirs. some people cringe at the thought, but to me, a bit of "sticky" is a small price to pay for the memories made

Tink's Mom

I just finished with a replacement batch of fudge....Hubby and son helped themselves last night.
I didn't yell...what good would it do? The fudge was already consumed...

I'm very tired...made up and delivered all the cookie trays with the exception of one for my DIL's Mom and the one to go to M & D's tomorrow night.

Hubby just surprised me and told me to let him know what else needs doing...he is going to help me with cleaning the house. Good thing I was sitting when he said this.
Hubby knows that if I overdo it too much...I will be in bad shape for the rest of the year.

loves_2_quilt

"And if you are doing some special baking or cooking for the holidays, don't hold back, the neigbors will never be as grateful as your family. "...AMEN!!!!!

athomenow

This is a good reminder. I don't have anyone here but DH when I'm baking and he always consumes a few of each batch. I have taught him to eat the ugly ones though.

Murphy

Amen! Thanks for sharing those words of wisdom; lest we forget (smile).