The Adventures of Cookie Man

First we have to mix the dough. Notice that one of Sam's preferred utensils is the potato masher.

The next step is the invisible step where cookies magically appear on the cookie sheet. Then our cookie man gets serious.

But the proof is in the results. Hungry?

These were the first Christmas cookies we've made this season. We've eaten plenty and I'm sure that's Cookie Man's motivation for the creative process.

So far Cookie Man has shared his art with the mailman who told us that he's "been living on sugar" the last few days but that it seems to be keeping him going through the very busy holiday season. More will be shared with our friend who had hip replacement surgery yesterday. We're guessing he won't mind supplementing his hospital food.

It's another day of packy snow so we made another snowman this morning. We need to dress him in some Christmas finery because right now he's a totally naked snowman and he's modest for some strange reason. Any suggestions?

We're working our way into a Christmas mood. Yes, Christmas. It's been interesting hearing the debate about using the term "Merry Christmas." Now, I have no strong feelings about stores using "Happy Holidays" in their advertising and displays but I like things to be a bit more specific. I like to wish people a Merry Christmas. I like it from other people as well. But I'm open to other things.

If someone says "Happy Hanukkah" I say "Thank you."

If someone says "Happy Kwanzaa" (although no one ever has) I say "Thank you."

If someone mentions winter solstice I say "enjoy."

If someone grumbles I'm happy to pipe up with "bah humbug."

With Happy Holidays we're genericizing the season. When someone says "Happy Holidays" to me, I always feel as though it's mainly said in an effort not to offend in which case I'd rather the person avoided the greeting altogether.

Let's enjoy our celebrations over the next several days. Be in good health, eat good food, hold your friends and family close, think of those far away.

Merry Christmas everyone!

(Oh, and consider this your Christmas card since I haven't gotten around to sending them out.)