THE BEST GIFTS DON’T COST MUCH
They Just Mean Everything
Soft, buttery, and sweet, these cookies hold their shape beautifully for decorating and taste just as good plain. Simple to make and fun for the whole family, they’re your new go-to Christmas tradition. INGREDIENTS • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tbsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 large egg DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F with a rack in the center. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside. 3. Using a stand or handheld mixer, beat the butter and sugar together. 4. Add vanilla extract and egg, and beat until well combined. 5. To the butter mixture, add flour mixture in 3 parts until fully incorporated. 6. Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. 7. On a lightly floured surface, roll into 1/4- inch thickness. 8. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes. 9. Bake cookies on a parchment- or silicone- lined baking sheet for 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. 10. Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, then decorate with festive icing as desired. CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES
Every year around the holidays, I’m reminded that the best gifts don’t come with a big price tag. They come with meaning. My favorite gift, hands down, comes from my daughter. Every year, she gives me a wall calendar filled with pictures of just the two of us, one for every month. Some are from big moments, such as vacations or birthdays, and others are just random days that happen to be great for no special reason. I told her years ago that she has to keep making those calendars until I no longer have dates to check off. It’s a tradition that means more to me every year. Every morning, when I see my calendar at work, I get a small reminder of us and the fact that time is moving, but memories stick around. If you’re still searching for a meaningful gift this season, consider skipping the gadgets and opting for something simple. Here are five ideas that hit harder than anything you’ll find online. • A playlist of songs that tell your story with a handwritten note about why each track matters. • A short photo book of shared moments, one for each month of the past year. • A candle labeled with a memory, not a scent like “Sunday Mornings at Home” or “Our Italy Trip in a Jar." • A handful of "Open When" letters to be opened during future moments for “when you need advice,” “when you’re proud,” and “when you miss me." • A custom puzzle made from a favorite photo , a memory you can literally piece back together. The older I get, the more I realize the best gifts don’t fade, wear out, or go out of style. They make you pause, even for a moment, and feel grateful for the people who matter most.
Inspired by NatashasKitchen.com
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