The Season of Giving

This year getting into the holiday spirit has been a difficult for some reason. I don’t know what the cause it…..busy 9-5 job, busy home life, or what, but it just doesn’t feel like Christmas will be here before you know it.

We have recently started to get got a taste of winter where you actually had to pull out the hat, gloves, and scarf….and snow. This did help get me into a little bit of the holiday spirit and motivated me to begin my holiday homemade treats.

First up was making jam. A few years ago I started making Christmas jam that I found on Pinterest to give as gifts. I was apprehensive the first time I made it but it was a hit with everyone that I have continued to make it. This year I am up to making 3 batches! I was able to knock out all of the batches in one afternoon. I like to put Christmas patches to put on top of the jars. This makes the jars festive and definitely makes it look like a nicer gift. Having extra jars of jam is good to have on hand this time of year if you are invited to a holiday party or gathering and want to bring a little something as a host/hostess gift.

A companion I make to the games as a gift are shortbread cookies. I make the original recipe of the Earl Grey Tea (great for all those tea lovers in your life) and a batch without the tea. Depending on the brand of tea you buy the Earl Grey may be strong and a plain batch of shortbread are great for those who do not like the flavor of this particular tea.