I usually put up an artificial tree, but this year Jake and I cut down a tree from my yard. For whatever reason, JARI was handing out seedlings many years ago, and Brian got one, so I planted it in the back yard. It turned out to be one of the nicest trees ever, but it had the sharpest needles I have ever encountered. I had to wear leather gloves while decorating it!
In cookie news, I made a couple of varieties at Jake’s request, but there was one cookie from my youth (my grandmother’s cousin’s recipe) that I made this year (for the first time, I believe), and it was just as good as I remembered. I think that one might make the permanent rotation. The cookies are basically two spritz cookies with a layer of apricot preserves in between and dipped in chocolate and walnuts. The description doesn’t do it justice. They are very tasty!
I hosted Christmas Eve dinner and did a spatchcocked turkey on the smoker. I’m always worried about the timing of smoked things, but I put it on early, and things worked out. My mom hosted today. It was nice seeing everyone yesterday and today. I was admiring all of my Christmas gifts this evening, and I made out like a bandit, as usual. I received a lot of books, and I can’t wait to read them in 2026!