Christmas traditions keep families close

Christmas is creeping upon us quickly. In just two weeks, many people will celebrate in many different ways. Families have traditions like movie nights or looking at Christmas lights. Senior Blake Bufkin and his family take family photos on Christmas day. Christmas photos are a great way to cherish memories and connect with family through the holidays.

But with Christmas comes gift-giving. If you’re struggling to come up with gifts for your friends or family, why not try your hand at making them something? How could you possibly go wrong with a handcrafted ornament for your tree? It’s a permanent memory that will last years to come.

•  Ingredients
  • 4 cups Flour
  • 1 cup Salt
  • 1.5 cups Water (maybe a little more)
  • Christmas Cookie Cutters
  • Acrylic Paint                                                                                
  • Glitter
  • Clear Glue
  • Gold Twine/Ribbon/Yarn
• Directions 
  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Combine the flour, salt and water; mix well and knead for 10 minutes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface.
  • Cut into desired shapes and make holes for hanging. Bake for 30 minutes; allow to cool.
  • Decorate with paint and glitter. Allow to dry and spray with clear polyurethane on both sides to preserve. Use ribbon or yarn pieces to hang.

Some families have special recipes they cook around the holidays. Many families have recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Family recipes really help bring together families and help keep tradition alive. Take some time during Christmas break and bake some cookies with your family. 

• Ingredients
  • ½ cup of granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
  • ¾   teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Additional granulated sugar
  • About 36 Hershey’s Kisses Brand milk chocolates, unwrapped
• Directions
  • Heat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and egg with an electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with a spoon, until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder until dough forms.
  • Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in additional granulated sugar. On ungreased cookie sheets, place about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown. Immediately press 1 milk chocolate candy in the center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack