Letter from the editor
My mom suggested that I’m too busy to make Christmas cookies this year. I looked at her as if she lost her mind. In hindsight, I realize she was just trying to ease my stress and shorten my endless to-do list. But for me, there will always be time to make Christmas cookies – because it’s our tradition.
We were making cookies together in December 1995 when I went into labor with the twins. Since then, we’ve baked every single year without fail. Whether it’s Nana’s overly complicated oatmeal cookies or Grammy Krynock’s simple yet delicious peanut butter kisses, these recipes are part of who I am. They connect me to my heritage, my people and the generations that came before me.
Traditions are the glue that holds families together. At the moment, they might feel ordinary or even trivial. But over time, as children grow up and loved ones can no longer join us, those traditions become priceless.
This past weekend, we attended our annual holiday luncheon with Bob’s extended family—his aunts, uncles and the cousins he grew up with. It was wonderful to catch up, especially with the children. Observing how much they change from year to year really highlights the passage of time. Many of them are at that stage where they have suddenly transformed from kids into young men and women.
Life’s dynamics are always shifting, and over the years, we’ve had to adapt our traditions. This Christmas Eve, we’re going to my daughter’s house. It feels like just yesterday I was putting out cookies and milk for Santa with her. Now she’s hosting, carrying on traditions of her own.
For decades, Christmas dinner meant piling into the car and heading to my mom’s house. Now, at 85 years old, Mom piles in the car with us instead, traveling to see her adult grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The roles have shifted, but the love—and the memories—remain.
As I think about all the cookies baked, tables set and car rides filled with laughter, I realize these moments are life’s treasures. The simple act of mixing dough or sharing a meal with family becomes the essence of who we are.
So no matter how busy life gets, there will always be time for Christmas cookies. Traditions matter because they remind us where we come from, and they hold space for those we love—past, present and future.
As we celebrate this season of joy and togetherness, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to our readers, contributors and advertisers. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this journey with us. Wishing you all a holiday season filled with love, laughter and cherished traditions. Here’s to a bright and prosperous New Year!
Peace & Love,
Cindy
