Since cookies are sort of winter must haves, I’m combining days 7 and 8 of Blogmas into one post today. I went to bed super early again last night. I’m determined not to get sick! (Had a sick little friend snuggled up to me all afternoon at work yesterday so I’m really doubling down on all my anti-sick routines).
Christmas Cookies
Who doesn’t like Christmas cookies? Of course, if you offer me a piece of cake, slice of pie, or a Christmas cookie, I’ll probably choose pie. With a cookie on the side 😉
My mom always spent the weeks before Christmas making several kinds of cookies:
- chocolate chip
- sour cream softies (my dad’s favorite and now one of J’s favorites)
- chocolate crinkles
- jelly cookies
- fruit cocktail cookies (my least favorite, yuck)
- sugar cookies
- ranger cookies (my favorite!)
- other kinds I’ve forgotten
She stored the cookies in round tin coffee cans .
The first year we were married, I did the same thing: made lots of cookies! And then, it occurred to me there were only 2 of us. Oops. I made more cookies here and there as the boys came along but I’ve never been a huge make all the kinds of cookies baker. Helps that my family’s cookie of choice is simple chocolate chip. My husband’s favorite Christmas cookie is actually the blue tin of Danish butter cookies. I’ve recently discovered these, my new favorite: 
My husband’s grandfather made everyone peanut brittle every Christmas. I tried to make some last year. If someone gives you homemade peanut brittle as a gift, they love you and spent some time at it. (Unless you’re allergic to peanuts, then you might want to re-evaluate that relationship)
I want to try some different cookies this year, hopefully, I’ll be able to find the time.
Winter Must Haves
Cookies, of course! However, like the little mouse, if you’re going to have a cookie, you need a cup of: 
Coffee! Or hot cocoa. Or tea. Depending on the day and time.
My the must have list for Winter:
- A good heavy coat, preferably with a zip out lining for warmer days
- Layers, it tends to be cold outside and hot inside depending on who is in charge of the thermostat at different places. Ironically, I just had the argument with my husband. He had set the thermostat crazy high. So I had to do the “put on some pants instead of shorts!” exasperated comment.
- hand lotion and lip balm *it tends to get windy!*
- Lots of cozy blankets
- Warm pajamas and fuzzy socks for snow days
- Gloves, fingerless gloves for working
- A snow scraper for the car! One with a brush on the end is ideal as often our snow is dry and and easier to just brush off the windshield
- A good book or tv series to watch or both
- Waterproof boots
- Greenery and sunshine *time outside, sitting by indoor plants by a sunny window*, I need these things.
That’s my quick brain-stormed list this morning. I am planning to start a new series called Winter Wednesdays next week (I’ve decided Winter runs December to March) where I’m going to try and find some new appreciation for my least favorite season. So I may have new things to add to this list in the future.
What things must you have for the winter?
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Thanks for all the great comments lately, hoping to get around a visit everyone a bit more this weekend!
My mom only made the cut-out Christmas cookies that we loved to decorate. When we were in our teens my brother, sister, and I started making a variety of cookies around Christmas. When I was older with kids of my own, in the early years I was all about making many different kinds of cookies and treats for the holidays. That faded away when the boys got older and I was working 12-hr shifts, and now it’s been many years since I’ve bothered to make anything. I have big ideas of making a variety of cookies this year but I’m also realistic in knowing myself and that it probably won’t happen. The ease of just buying everything is such a strong temptation. lol
Hello! I have been going to bed early too! Last night I thought I would get all cozy and read in bed before Steve came up and turned on the football game. Well, I don’t think I got through one page! I so enjoyed your lists. My Peyton is the cookie baker. She makes all kinds, but my favorite is peanut blossoms. Warm out of the oven!!!! Have a cozy weekend, my friend.
My winter must haves are pretty much the same as yours…a warm coat, layered clothing, gloves (fingerless ones for work and picture-taking), lip balm, lotion, plenty of warm blankets, etc. I also enjoy a warm fire (ventless heating stove and fake-fire infarred heater) and a never-ending supply of hot tea (that’s actually #1 on my list…lol)! I also enjoy lit candles in the winter (real ones…not battery-operated) and my peppermint-scented Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, and hand soap. Nice post! Hope you don’t get sick from snuggling with the little one. Have a great weekend, my friend! Blessings!
Love your lists and am still laughing at the allergic to peanuts comment – that will make think twice about a lot of gifts 😀 I can’t wait to see what you come up with for “Winter Wednesday”.
Thank you! I probably threw that comment in there because we have a neighbor’s son with a peanut allergy. Actually, most the family is on a special diet (no dairy, no gluten, etc). And then, they always give us the most beautiful plate of amazing cookies for Christmas that are definitely “normal”. Frustrates me a bit because it’s not like I can gift them cookies back. This year though I’m giving them honey & soap (kind of a weird combo but the honey is local and I got a good deal on the soap.)
I forgot to ask where to find those Swedish cookies?I think hubby would really like them. Gingersnaps are his all time favorite.
I got the cookies at a small local store that sells Scandinavian goods (no website, I checked). I’ve seen the same thing (different brand) at World Market though. We went through the whole tin in a week, oops!