Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love the glow of the Christmas tree and the prelit garland. The true spirit of Christmas makes me happy. I love to give more than get.

Several years ago, the boys and I started making gingerbread boys and girls for our neighbors. I wanted a way for them to participate in giving a simple gift to our neighbors. Sometimes we make enough for the each member of the family and other times we make them for just the children.

We decorate the gingerbread people, let them dry and place them in treat bags. Then we tie a homemade gift card with the recipients name to the bag. The boys take them to the homes and wish each one a Merry Christmas.

I have found the easiest way to do this project is to make the gingerbread people one day and decorate another. This year since the boys are older I have allowed them to invite a friend to decorate them too. If you choose to do this make sure you have enough supplies for the friends to take some home and give away.

My favorite gingerbread cookie recipe-makes 8 dozen 3 inch cookies

6 cups of sifted all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 lb butter (2 sticks)
1 c dark brown sugar
4 tsp. ground ginger
4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. finely ground pepper
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 c. unsulfured molasses

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer use the paddle attachement, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt. Beat in eggs and molasses.

3. Add flour mixture; mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Divide dough into thirds; wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hr. Don’t chill too long or dough gets hard.

4. Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a well floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch. Cut into desired shaps. Place on ungreased baking sheet and chill until firm. About 15 minutes. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp but not darkened. Cool on wire racks.

This recipe is from a cookie booklet I received with Martha Stewart Living Magazine. I have tried easier recipes, but none come out as good as these. Don’t miss a step for great cookies.

How many times have I sung the Sunday mornings blues? Feeling sorry for myself that I had to get my children ready by myself and look presentable as a pastor’s wife. On my way to church this morning I was thinking about one such crazy morning that things didn’t go as planned.

Bryan was on a trip overseas and Gabriel, our now 13 year old, was a baby. I would usually get myself ready and then get him ready. I was dressed in my suit, heels and hose (glad times have changed) and had finished feeding Gabriel. I held him up and he started choking. I immediately flipped him over and gave back blows to dislodge whatever was stuck. When I held him upright he threw up all over me. It was in my hair, all over my freshly pressed suit, and running down my hose.

I quickly cleaned and changed him then it was on to me. Fortunately, I found an outfit that didn’t need ironing and threw it on. For the hair, I have to be honest and tell you I just used a wet wipe to get rid of the vomit because I had no time to wash it. I think I did some deep breathing exercises on the way to church. I couldn’t believe I made it on time for sound check.

Bryan has always done whatever he could to help me with the kids, but Sunday mornings are gametime for a pastor. I had to learn to plan for the inevitable. I would press all the clothes the night before, pack the diaper bag, and sometimes even put the cereal already in the bowls. My children have eaten many a granola bar on the way to church too.

I realized early on that each Sunday morning could be a challenge or I could do as much as possible to make it easier on everyone.

• Bryan and I discuss nothing contraversial on Sunday mornings.
• Our kids go to bed early like it is a school night.
• Plan ahead with clothes. Decide the night before what we are wearing and get it ready. Even the socks and shoes set out.
• Not worry about the house on Sunday morning, unless we are having company, then get it ready on Saturday except for the dishes. This might be a granola bar morning to make it easier.

I have learned that it is more important for there to be peace in our home than everything to be perfect. My house will still look the same when I get  home as it did when I left.