My Christmas Eve Gift to You

Thank you to everyone who has made this past year so spectacular for me, both professionally and personally. I’ve been lucky enough to meet many of you in real life, and I hope to meet more of you in 2009. Because no matter how miraculous technology becomes, nothing takes the place of a warm smile and a hug or handshake. Which leads me to my gift to you: a simple suggestion.

Go offline. For at least a day.

Resist the temptation to go back online when you run out of things to do, because in that time void magic can happen.

Mindless chatter over chopping and peeling or washing dishes turns to a welcomed unburdening. Sitting on the floor and playing “cars” with a child (complete with plbtpltptb sounds) is framed in gales of laughter. Taking a walk – sans iPod – and using every sense to take in what’s going on around you rejuvenates. Helping serve dinner at a local shelter, looking every person in the eye and smiling, fills your heart with joy and gratitude. Baking cookies with someone you love creates a sugary sweet memory (see my no-fail sugar cookie recipe below). Relaxing in front of a fire with your grandmother and just letting her talk about her long, rich life opens your eyes to her beauty and wisdom. Reading a book – yes, a real book made of paper – in the glow of the Christmas tree changes your perspective. Simply sitting in silence and letting your mind clear gives you peace.

Now power down and go make magic. Merry Christmas.

Photo credit: Daniel Green via Flickr

Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups flour
Colored sugar crystals

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in egg and vanilla. Add baking powder and flour and mix well. Turn dough out onto floured countertop, sprinkle a little flour on top and roll out to 1/4″ thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on ungreased baking sheet. Gather trimmings, re-roll and cut unitl you use up all the dough. Sprinkle cut-outs with colored sugar crystals. Bake 7-8 minutes or until just beginning to brown on bottoms. Let cool for one minute and then use spatula to transfer to cooling rack. Cookies will be fragile when warm but become firm at they cool.
Enjoy!