Finally finished...

We have been busy baking fools around here this week.  

I tried keeping things to a minimum but that's hard to do when you have have few people giving you the puppy eyes for their favorite cookies.

Batches upon batches were made so that there were enough for the neighbors, our mail lady, dear friends and plenty for everyone around here to nibble on from time to time.

The girls were such a big help.  Especially after my stand mixer (no, it wasn't a KitchenAid) decided to start smoking, make a few rather loud popping noises and then just quit.  Thank goodness I had my handy dandy back up hand mixer to finish the last few batches of dough.  I would have had a complete melt down otherwise.

Then there was all the scooping, rolling and decorating to be done.

 There is one little person who goes completely over board with the decorating.  You can't even see the shapes that she cut out.

 And one who must be as neat as possible so that the cookies look just right.

 After three days of mixing and baking all the treats have been given out to their recipients and this is what we have for ourselves.  

Chocolate chips (can't do without them)

Jelly stars

Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal

Andes Mint Cookies (thanks for sharing Kira)

and the ever popular and well loved

Caramel Puffcorn.

 Now that all of the goodies are made and all the gifts are under the tree (I got the last package today and wrapped everything) I am officially finished with all the hustle and bustle of getting ready for Christmas.  

For the entire week before Christmas there will only be lounging around and watching Christmas shows until we have had our fill along with a snack or two (maybe more) of cookies and hot chocolate.  I might even throw in some cutting and sewing time with the awesome Christmas quilt fabric that has been so patiently waiting for me.  

Here are my favorite Christmas shows to watch.

What's your favorite Christmas show?