Fran Larson

It’s Not Too Late For A Merry Christmas Old-Fashioned Cookie Exchange: Call Your Friends Now!


Posted: Wednesday, December 15, 2010

by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/

    No, it isn’t too late.  Spontaneous things are more fun, anyway.  Call a few friends and then, get out your apron.  What? One more thing to do? That is the last thing in the world you want to do? 

     If you decide to have a cookie exchange, you will be blessed with many kinds of cookies and delicious recipes. You don't have to eat them all at once.  Why not freeze them?  When someone drops over between now and January 1st, just take a few cookies out of the freezer, make some coffee, hot tea, or hot apple cider and like magic you have turned into Martha Stewart.

     Why do I know this?  I hosted a cookie exchange just four days ago and we had a great time.  An article inspired me in my local newspaper plus the Christmas Spirit urged me to do something spontaneous and creative.  Also, some of my friends have been hurting because of recent deaths in their family and I though perhaps, a day in the kitchen would bring some soothing comfort to them.

     Here is how I did the cookie exchange:

  1. I called or e-mailed friends and asked them to bring 6 dozen cookies (they could be the same kind or different – it doesn’t matter).
  2. I asked guests to bring a container to take cookies home and the recipe (if they have time).
  3. I had a thin magic marker ready with folded small pieces of cardboard so that I could make a nametag for the cookies.
  4. I made coffee and hot apple cider (there are some easy, amazing recipes to add to hot apple cider on the internet or you could just add those hot cinnamon candies).
  5. I placed the recipes on the table beside the cookies.
  6. I let the guests sample cookies and talk for about 45 minutes (this is flexible, of course).
  7. Some of us packaged up some cookies for the shut-ins in our community.  I heard it was a great hit.
     If I decide to do this next year, I am going to ask the women to bring a toy for a local charity.      Ours was for women only, but next year I think I will let the men come!

     Merry Christmas!
Francine Larson:

Co-Author of Character Keys to a Bright Future.

She is a freelance writer

See more articles by Francine Larson at:http://www.examiner.com/modern-love-in-tampa-bay/francine-larson

She also writes for The Highlands at Scotland Yards. She writes poetry and short stories. She is a contributor for Yahoo (http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/685738/francine_larson.html)

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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)
» left by Nancy
from Dade City 1 year 138 days ago.
It WAS fun, Fran! Even though I had one fiasco after another baking, it gave me a chance to laugh about it every time I retold the story... Thanks girlfriend!
» left by Brianna Popsickle
 1 year 138 days ago.
120 fans.
That's a great idea! I love that you packaged some up for shut-ins. Now THAT'S what Christmas is all about! Have a wonderful Christmas Fran.
» left by George Stay
 1 year 138 days ago.
22 fans.
Fran, that last part is crucial! You have to let the men in too. We also bake. And we also love to eat cookies and share recipes. I know that sounds odd, but it is true, at least for some. I am glad you had this exchange and are inspiring us readers to do the same.
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 1 year 137 days ago.
151 fans.
I love this idea, Fran! I definitely think the men should participate :)
» left by Ngozi Nwoke
 1 year 137 days ago.
10 fans.
Great idea Fran. I am going to borrow a leaf from this. It surely will make a beautiful Christmas.
» left by Dakhsh Jain
 1 year 133 days ago.
6 fans.
Fran, yes please let the men come in too .. I agree to George that men likes baking too, provided theres a good companion along to do the baking, then its even more fun :-D
» left by Linda DeWitt
 1 year 114 days ago.
What a great idea Fran. I wrote an article last year about a cookie exchange party I went to but I like your idea much better. There's got to be a way to incorporate more charity into an event like this that will help people that need it. We've got all year to put on our thinking caps.
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