I know it’s coming, and I dread it just as much as I have for a long time. When I was a child, I looked forward to it. However, as an adult, I see it from a whole different perspective. And it makes me cringe.
Yes, Christmas is coming, but that is not what makes me want to run and hide. I love planning gifts for others, although sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all the shopping and creating. One present I planned on sewing for a grandson has mushroomed into two more, and a fourth one from a different style of the same pattern. And that doesn’t include another gift I have been intending to make for a few months. It’s no wonder that I spent Saturday morning at the fabric store in order to take advantage of a 70% off sale. The adults on my list are a bit more of a challenge, but I usually manage to find things for each of them without too much of a struggle.
Now the question is, “What in the world is she dreading?” And the answer is just that – a question. “What do you want for Christmas?” is the query I have not heard yet this year. When finally cornered, I feel greedy asking for things. Besides, I have always enjoyed surprises. I know it makes it easier for my children when I give them a list of ideas, and sometimes I manage to come up with a list of items I might like to have. To tell the truth, when all is said and done, the greatest gift they can give me is their presence. That answer never seems to satisfy my family.
Using an old cliché, if I “put the shoe on the other foot,” I understand why the question is asked. After all, it is much better to give someone something they would like to have as opposed to a present that makes them wonder, “Why did she think I wanted that?” It brings a sense of joy when I am able to provide a gift that is desired. I still chuckle about the year one daughter-in-law told me she wanted a black bustier purse, stating that she didn’t think it was something I would purchase. Normally, she would have been correct. To me, they looked like a person was carrying around a stuffed undergarment. Then I found one on clearance sale for five dollars, and the anticipation of the surprised look on her face enticed me to buy it. All I can say is that it was worth my effort.
One thing I have learned through the years is to be a more gracious recipient. “It is better to give than to receive” has been drilled into my conscience for a long time; it makes it hard to accept gifts for myself. And yet I have finally begun to realize that just as I find joy in giving to others, people find joy in giving to me. So it is really not a one-sided thing on my part when I am on the receiving end. It seems somewhat paradoxical, but in gratefully accepting someone’s gift, I am providing them with an opportunity to find joy in giving.
But I still don’t like the question, “What do you want for Christmas?”
When making a list of gifts for others, don’t forget that they can come from the kitchen as well as the store. Here are some ideas:
Triple Chocolate Cookie Mix
1 (one-quart) Mason jar
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup packed dark brown sugar (may use light brown)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Additional ingredients:
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1-1/4 cups of the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In small bowl, blend remaining 1 cup flour and the cocoa powder.
Layer dry mix ingredients in jar:
Spoon half of the flour-cocoa mixture into bottom of jar; press down to compact. Spoon half of the plain flour mixture on top of cocoa mixture; compact. Repeat.
Add brown sugar. Compact.
Add granulated sugar. Compact.
Mix together chocolate chips and white chips. Add to jar. Give with these instructions, along with a list of the additional ingredients:
To make cookies, combine the butter, eggs and vanilla in a bowl. Stir in the contents of the jar just until mixed. Drop batter by rounded tablespoons, two inches apart, onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-13 minutes, or until middle is just barely firm. It will finish cooking while cooling. Cool on baking sheet for a minute or two. Using a spatula, gently remove cookies from cookie sheet to make sure they don’t stick. Allow cookies to cool completely and enjoy.
Tip: When storing cookies, add waxed paper between layers to keep them from sticking to each other.
Pancakes from the Pantry
4 cups quick-cooking oats, uncooked
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup dry milk
3 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
5 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Combine all ingredients together, mixing well. Add dry mix to an airtight container or to 2 (one-quart) canning jars or to 4 (one-pint) canning jars.
Add these instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs. Gradually beat in 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Alternately add 2 cups of pancake mix and 1 cup of water to the egg mixture; blend well. Cook pancakes on a lightly greased griddle. Makes about 10 pancakes.
Mexican Cocoa Mix
2 cups nonfat dry milk
1 cup malted milk powder
1 cup instant chocolate milk powder (such as Nestle Quick)
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
In a large bowl, mix together dry milk, malted milk powder, chocolate milk powder, cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon. Sift into another large bowl. Sift again into the first bowl.
Spoon mixture into a 1-quart canning jar. Gently tap on the counter a few times to settle ingredients.
Place lid on jar and decorate as desired.
Add these instructions to gift:
Cocoa by the Cup:
Place 1/3 cup mix in a coffee mug. Pour 8 ounces boiling water into mug and stir.