I love to bake. Though I don”t have nearly as much time to do it as I’d like, I always make time in December. The cookie sheets come out, the Christmas music goes on, I roll up my sleeves and bake to my hearts content for 2 or 3 days. Mmmmm……cookies.
This tradition started many years ago when my husband and I were trying to decide what gift to give to our family members that year. We had been making gifts for several years – mostly wood crafts – but really wanted to do something different. It had to be home-made, because those are the kinds of gifts that we like to give. Gifts made with love. So I started looking through my recipe books (the internet was non-existent still….gasp!) and found some pretty delicious sounding goodies. I baked and baked and the resulting cookies were loved (and devoured) by all.
Every year I change it up and try to add something new, but there are a few favorites (creamy no-nut fudge, white chocolate-macadamia nut cookies, and mint brownie cake squares. Ahhh, the mint brownies. I have had people ask about them in August. 🙂 “Hey, are you making those mint things again this year?” 
The giving has now extended to include friends and neighbors, and my husband’s co-workers refer to me as the ‘cookie queen’. Baking for others is something that I really love to do and I actually look forward to it every year. I love being able to give a little piece of myself to the people I care about. For me, that is the true nature of giving. Putting time, effort and love into something to make someone else happy.
I and the entire staff of RS Vacations wish everyone who reads this a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holiday and hope that this season is filled with gifts of love, laughter and family.
RS Vacations - Big Bear Lake, CA 
These are gorgeous!!