Holiday Traditions: Baking Memories, Not Just Cookies
The holidays have always been my favorite time of year—a season full of magic, laughter, and yes, a little bit of unpredictability. For me, the kitchen is where the heart of the holidays truly comes alive. It’s not just about the cookies (though they’re delicious); it’s about the traditions, the stories, and the memories baked into every batch.
What started as a way to carry on some Greek traditions has turned into something uniquely ours, with a good dose of humor and a little holiday mess thrown in for good measure. Take our annual cookie-baking marathon, for example. One year, more powdered sugar ended up on us than on the cookies (Kourabiedes, or “snowball cookies,” don’t play around). Another year, my son created a gingerbread cookie inspired by his favorite gaming character—while giving us his best Gordon Ramsay impression, pots and pans thankfully excluded.
The Power of Traditions
Traditions ground us, reminding us who we are, where we come from, and the values we want to carry forward. They give us a reason to pause, connect, and celebrate the moments that matter most—especially during the holidays. Psychology Today in Why Traditions Matter emphasizes that traditions help families create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and provide a sense of stability—even in unpredictable times.
“Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that take up the most room in your heart.”
Keeping Traditions Alive: Old Favorites and New Twists
So how do you keep traditions alive or start new ones that reflect the changing dynamics of your family? Here’s how we’ve kept ours alive while letting them grow alongside us:
Keep the Classics: Every year, we bake Kourabiedes, traditional Greek buttery almond cookies buried in confectioner’s sugar. My mom swears good luck only comes if you make the "traditional" cookies, so they’re a must. Eating them without ending up covered in powdered sugar? One bite, and you’ve got the evidence all over your clothes. Despite the mess—or maybe because of it—they’re always a fan favorite.
Let the New Mix In: When my boys were little, gingerbread cookies joined the mix. The gingerbread cookies have become so popular that I’m cranking out extra batches for my nieces, nephews, and friends. Decorating takes on a life of its own—and I don’t mean Pinterest-worthy creations! There’s major roasting involved when someone makes a lopsided or truly ugly cookie.
Pass It On: There’s something incredibly special about teaching the next generation, not just how to bake cookies, but how to carry forward the love, connection, and laughter these moments bring. This year, we started the holiday baking marathon with gingerbread cookies and, to my delight, it came together with a full family effort. My grown boys and my niece took over the cookie assembly line, rolling out dough while my sister-in-law and I baked tray after tray (note to self: quadrupling the recipe may have been a little much). Sprinkles, frosting, and sugar crystals abounded as they got creative with decorating a few cookies—some traditional and others, let’s just say, delightfully unique.
Sprinkled with Love
At the end of the day, our holiday baking tradition isn’t about the cookies. It’s about the laughter (or shall I say “roasting”), the connection, and the stories we’ll tell for years to come. These moments—covered in powdered sugar and sprinkled with a little chaos—are what make the holidays magical.
Traditions, whether they’re old, new, or wonderfully messy, remind us of what’s truly important: spending time with the people we love.
So go ahead—embrace the magic of the season, start new traditions, or breathe life into old ones. Whether it’s baking cookies, watching holiday movies, or sharing stories, make time for the moments that matter most. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with connection, laughter, and a little sparkle. Happy Holidays! 🎄✨