Gingerbread Cookies Day 1

In preparation for today's activity I made two batches of gingerbread cookie dough the night before. Then after the kids got their pajamas on we baked the cookies. I decided a few years ago that having too many helpers is not very helpful. So we take turns. Thomas was the first to go. (He got his pajamas on without whining.) He was very thoughtful in figuring out how best to utilize the cookie dough I had rolled out for him. He had to use every possible space and scrap. Luckily we have several really small cookie cutters.

After Thomas make two sheets full of cookies, Zachary had the next turn. He wasn't as careful as Thomas and some of his cookies were squished. But Zachary soon mastered the art of cookie cutters. He only tried a redo once. His cookies were definitely cut all the way through. He was using his whole body to make sure the cookie cutter was pressed down hard.

Cassidy is a master at making gingerbread cookies. She only hollered for help to get the big cookies onto the baking sheet. She got to use up the last of the dough after I put the boys to bed. She told me that Christmas was her favorite holiday. It wasn't because of the gifts, but because of the fun traditions we have, like making gingerbread cookies.

I had to call and talk with my dad on a day like today. This is the Christmas tradition he was always a part of. This family tradition started in Germany 37 years ago (before I was born) and here we are in Germany continuing the tradition.

Oh yeah, since the kids all had their pajamas on and I didn't want them to get all dirty; I pulled out Cassidy's Easy Bake Oven baking set. The hat and the mitten are just for fun. But the apron was a necessity.