This weekend we started on the Christmas treats, as my girl puts it.

First the kids made precut, preformed butter cookies with Reindeer in them, just for kicks.  My husband buys them so that he can get us all in the baking spirit, even when we’re pressed for time.  I think it’s great, because the kids are able to do it completely on their own and I just monitor for safety related to the heat.  They practice getting things in and out of a hot oven safely, and I think that’s important.  On top of that, over processed things taste really good sometimes.

Next I made the traditional Glazed Almonds.  This is something I make every year.  I mean, this is something that I suffer through every year.  I made two batches of it Sunday afternoon, and got burned at least three times.  I think that it’s ridiculous that I continue to make something that requires the kids to clear the kitchen, and makes me contemplate a face mask.  It’s a favorite, and it’s requested every year, so I do it.  I usually whip up about 15 batches in a day and get it all done, but I didn’t feel up to it and so it was just for general consumption, not gifting.  I’ll have to suit up and do it again next weekend.  At a million dollars a bag for almonds, yes, I do give this as gifts.

As a matter of fact, we have a plan to make many, many of our gifts this year.  Nearly all, really.  Last year a few select people got homemade treat baskets, and they went over so well that we’re expanding the idea all over town.

So I got to wondering, is there any possible way that I could spread myself a little bit thinner?  I’ve got my son’s jazz band concert tomorrow, the birthday get together with the family for my son’s birthday this weekend, work, his actual birthday, all home-made gifts (none of which have been started…), Christmas shopping for the nieces and nephews, wrap all the gifts, the whirlwind tour that is Christmas Eve, and then Christmas morning brunch.  Goodness me, I’m not going to sleep at all on Christmas Eve.  If anyone wants to come over here and take care of this to-do list, please feel free.