Milk and Cookies for Santa

Santa…the mere mention of his name elicits pure joy in the hearts of the young and those young at heart. Christmas Eve traditions culminate with the laying out of the milk and cookies chosen specifically for Santa’s enjoyment. In my house, making the cookies for Santa has become one of our family’s favorite traditions.

The recipe card for my Great Grandmother’s Sugar cookies is weathered from flour, sticky fingers and the love passed down from generation to generation. Each year, on the 23rd, I am assigned the task of baking a multitude of these cookies to be decorated the following night. I make sure to include the angels, stars, mittens, Christmas trees, Santa hats, stockings, and snow men that my three angels MUST have to create their cookie masterpieces.

After church on Christmas Eve our home transforms into Santa’s workshop. Instead of toys, we have cookies galore with every possible icing color, sprinkle and glittery decoration imaginable. The elves are my children, nieces, nephews, cousins and neighborhood friends who have heard of our tradition and want to be part of it. Fueled by hot cocoa, they work until every last cookie is complete. Favorites are chosen for Santa and an ice cold glass of milk is poured before everyone settles in for a long winters nap.

Try our favorite hot cocoa recipe and share it with family while enjoying your favorite holiday traditions!

Crockpot Hot Chocolate
5 cups Milk
½ cup Hershey’s Cocoa
½ cup sugar
1 cup hot water

Directions
Combine cocoa, sugar and hot water in large pan. Stir and bring to a gentle boil. Transfer mixture to crock pot and add milk. Stir, then cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours, until hot. Pour into mugs, then top with whipped cream and enjoy!

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Guest blog by Wendi Morgan, RN

Wendi has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years and a School Nurse in Daviess County Public Schools for the last 17 years, where she currently serves as District Health Coordinator.  Wendi oversees the School Health Program in DCPS and participates in the Wellness Initiative for the district.  In addition to her job she currently holds the position of President and Exhibitor Chair of the Kentucky School Nurse Association.   In 2006, Wendi was named the Kentucky School Nurse of the Year by KSNA.