Throw a holiday cookie swap

Cleaning, planning, decorating, shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking, partying, and mailing. Holiday time is filled with so many preparations! When I was a young mother of four active daughters, there never seemed to be enough time. I wanted to celebrate the season, enjoy family and friends, honor our traditions and create lasting memories. One solution, a cookie swap, has become an annual event that my family and friends look forward to every year.

A cookie swap is a fun way to enjoy a social evening with close friends while dividing the task of baking cookies for the holiday. A few weeks prior to the event, friends are invited to a potluck dinner - a 'lady's night out'. Each guest is asked to bake and bring 6 dozen of one type of holiday cookie, along with her recipe. Those who are able, also bring an appetizer, casserole, or dessert to share. As hostess, I provide the main course and beverages for the dinner.

As guests arrive for the cookie swap, their containers of cookies are arranged on a table. A recipe card identifies each type of cookie. Blank recipe cards are provided for guests who want to take home any recipes of interest. Beverages and appetizers are offered as guests greet each other.

When everyone has arrived, introductions take place. Each person is asked to tell her name and to share something related to the holiday. Each year I suggest a specific topic. For example, guests might be asked to tell about a favorite childhood holiday memory, recall a special or funny gift they once received, describe their favorite family holiday tradition, or offer an idea for teaching children the true meaning of the holiday. The stories are great icebreakers that often result in tears and laughter. Guests are reminded to appreciate the spirit of the holidays and learn new ways to create memorable holidays for their families.

Food and fun follow introductions. We take a break from the hectic holiday schedule to just enjoy each other's company. Guests sometimes comment that they are "refreshed" by the gathering. They are able to complete remaining holiday tasks with more enthusiasm.

As the evening progresses, guests make their way to the cookie table. I divide six dozen cookies (72) by the number of guests. This determines the number of each type of cookie to be taken home by guests. For example, if there are 24 guests, each person takes home three of each type of cookie. The process of dividing the cookies is easier if each guest places her cookies in an empty container that she has brought for this purpose. It is not unusual to have a surplus of cookies after each guest has taken their allotted number. Guests are asked to provide names of family or friends who may be unable to bake cookies that year due to illness or lack of time. The surplus cookies are provided to those in need.

Over the years, the variety of cookies baked by guests has been impressive. We've enjoyed simple sugar cookies, traditional chocolate chip cookies, intricately decorated cookies, and cookies from around the world. They have all been delicious. Some guests bring the same 'tried and true' favorites every year, while others like to experiment with new or unusual recipes. To avoid duplication, guests are asked to provide the cookie name when they RSVP for the event. I suggest that guests choose an alternative type of cookie to bake if more than 2 people have chosen the same kind.

When my children were small, another tradition developed on cookie swap night. My husband planned a 'Dad's night out' with the children. He usually took them out for pizza, followed by an evening of shopping for Mommy's gifts. They always seemed to return home just in time to enjoy leftovers from the holiday meal. Babies and toddlers who needed to be with Mommy were always welcome at the cookie swap.

I confess that more often than not, the cookies are long gone before the actual holiday arrives. The tradition began as a way to save time and money while providing a variety of holiday cookies. But, its lasting value has been the bond I've shared with the friends and family who have enjoyed this event with me. The holiday season just isn't the same without a cookie swap!