As we celebrate this wonderful time of year, let’s pay tribute to our memories, treasures, and traditions - old and new. From our family to yours we offer our warmest wishes for the best holiday season ever. It’s time to celebrate!

At Help You Dwell, we feel truly blessed to have been welcomed into your homes this year. This season is a celebration of togetherness, which has prompted me to reflect more on my own family’s Christmas traditions.

Upon reflection, of all the holiday traditions my family enjoys my favorite ones seem to revolve around food. I don’t really know what that says about me, but I do know that holiday meals satisfy more than our appetite. They feed our need for tradition. The delicious smell of fresh baked cookies, the savory taste of special sauces and meats - these are the foods we remember.

Despite the years, distance and hectic schedules my family tries to maintain some of the traditions started long ago. If you asked any one of my little sisters they would say our most beloved family tradition is making Christmas sugar cookies together. Although a simple tradition, the whole process is beloved by young and old in our home. Every year, my sisters and I gather in the kitchen one night and roll out the dough and cut batches of sugar cookie dough into festive and often over decorated treats. They never turn out perfectly and that’s what makes the whole process memorable. Each cookie is made with love and any imperfections are quickly covered with sprinkles and frosting. Using the same festive cookie cutters from when I was little, everyone joins in on cutting, baking, frosting, and drowning our confections in sprinkles. The only rule that we follow is that there is always more room for more frosting and more sprinkles!

If you're feeling ambitious, pull out your favorite cookie recipe and let the baking extravaganza begin. From classic sugar cookies to indulgent chocolate chip delights, there's a recipe for every taste bud. Gather your loved ones and make it a family affair, creating cherished memories that will linger long after the last cookie crumb is devoured.

Below I’ve included the classic sugar cookie recipe that I use with my little sisters — if you try it out tag us on instagram so I can see your masterpieces!

Sugar Cookies:

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. granulated sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 c. unsalted butter (softened)

1 large egg (room temperature)

1. Combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl.

2. Cream together the butter and sugar in a medium bowl, add the egg and vanilla, and beat until fully combined. Slowly add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

3. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled - at least 1 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 375° and roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out your christmas shapes.

6. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes

Icing:

1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened

3 c. powdered sugar

2-3 tbsp. milk or cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

red and green food coloring

sprinkles

1. Beat the butter until creamy, slowly add in the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and salt, beating until fully combined. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until lightened and creamy.