Every December when I was a kid, my aunt hosted a cookie decorating party for all the cousins. The table was covered in fresh cookies, icing bags, and bowls of sprinkles. We spent the whole afternoon decorating cookies for Santa. It was one of the parts of Christmas I loved most.
Now that I’m older, I think I understand why it meant so much. Christmas in my family has never really been about the gifts or the perfect decorations. It’s always been about love, connection, and the reminder of who you get to share your life with. That’s the real present. It’s easy to get pulled into the shopping and the stress and the pressure to make everything look a certain way. But for me, the season feels right when I slow down, stay present, and make memories with the people I love.
I knew when I got older and had kids of my own, I wanted to continue this tradition. So every December I invite my cousins and their kids to our house. We fill the kitchen, just like we used to. We talk, we laugh, we catch up on life. The kids line up with their own plates and decorate cookies to take home for Santa.
It’s messy and chaotic. Sprinkles on the counter, icing on sleeves, a few cookies buried under an entire container of sprinkles. Nothing turns out perfect, but that’s exactly what makes it feel warm and real.
I also keep the same cookie and icing recipe each year. I found it through The Graceful Baker, and it’s the one I go back to again and again. Her tutorials and recipes are beautiful and so helpful if you want to start a cookie tradition of your own.
We keep this little tradition alive every year, and I hope one day my kids will want to carry it on too.
Katie
This article reminds us that family traditions matter because they build belonging, create lasting memories and give kids a sense of security and connection.
For my favorite cookie and icing recipes and tutorials check out The Graceful Baker
You can find the sweetest holiday sprinkles at Sweetapolita if you want to add a little extra magic to your cookies. She has more amazing recipes if you love baking.
