It's the most wonderful time of the year

Christmas for my side of the family is all about warmth, lights, family, smiles, friends, a family and friend Christmas party at my parents home, the San Diego parade of lights, treats, and celebrating the joy that comes in remembering what the holiday is all about to us- the birth of a Savior. Here are some glimpses from the last week of relaxation and festivities!

Some treats my sister, mom, and I made for a Christmas party

Grant dressed as Buddy to help deliver some presents for a secret santa family a few nights before Christmas

Pre-ugly sweater party

Pecan walnut praline clusters

Peppermint-cocoa marshmallows and the annual cinnamon roll distribution

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight! I hope you are having a wonderful time with family and friends, wherever you are!

Oh Christmas Tree!

How lovely are your branches...

I love little trees! I also love making simple paper ornaments each year; it get's me into the Christmas spirit! Each year I just kind of make whatever I feel like or have around and hang it on the tree, and Grant is a good sport. This year I went really simple; I just love the look of an old fashioned tree (it just feels "homey"!). The tree is topped with a darling little 1950's red sparkly topper that I inherited from my Grandma last spring.

Poor Grant's been sick with the flu (only time in the past 10 years!), so today we enjoyed sitting on the couch in rainy weather, watching Christmas movies and keeping the tree lit all day. I wish the Christmas season took up 2 months, at least!

I hope you are enjoying your Christmas tree! I wish the glow and the tree smell could be a permanent fixture through the colder months. Aren't Christmas trees magical?

Go-to Christmas Desserts

Excuse the absence; I've been working on a new, simpler blog design and it always takes me forever- especially during the busy Christmas season. It just flies by too fast, doesn't it? Today I'd love to share some of my go-to Christmas party desserts and treats with you. A few favorites consist of berry pavlova (named after a ballerina, it reminds me of the sugar plum fairies), plain madeleines (or coconut orange), russian tea-cakes, baklava, a yule log cake, and the pioneer woman's cinnamon rolls (I think they still can't beat my mom's, but they're very close and make a huge batch!) Here are the ones I made and actually got a picture of.

The pavlova meringue base after it bakes- Once you use a Silpat mat, you won't go back! (If you'd like the recipe for this one, it's got graham cracker in the crust and is in a book I have- I'd love to email it to you)

Madeleine's- Sometimes I add coconut and a little orange zest

I prefer to halve the Pioneer Woman's recipe, tamper with the frosting and omit the coffee and maple (just personal taste), and then wrap in give-a-way dishes wrapped in dark red cellophane and pretty ribbon.

Baklava made with phyllo, apricots, honey, almonds, bread crumbs, and walnuts.

A sugar cookie date night to start off December 1st

What are some of your favorite Christmas treats? Happy baking!