It's hard to imagine what Christmas would be like without those once-a-year treats and delectable kitchen offerings that end up on my doorstep. Not only do I love to taste the favorite food traditions of neighbors and friends, but I also love to surprise them with my beloved kitchen creations. Actually, I think I just like to bake and mix them up . . . and taste them myself. Yes, in reality, I kind of go overboard in the kitchen when the holidays roll in, and giving treats to neighbors is a delightful way of justifying my lack of cooking self-control!

         This issue, treat yourself to some of my memorable holiday favorites from years of Christmas cooking and recipe collecting. Beverages like eggnog and almond butter drink mix will sweeten the popcorn cake, fudge, mounds candy, and cruncher muncher.

         Jump-start your gift-giving season with catchy sayings for gifts that you may wish to drop off on doorsteps around you. Then reflect on the value and necessity of traditions by reading the Table Talk article, The Traditional Family Tie. If you'd like to start some new customs in your family, you'll find plenty of merry ways to do so in Festive Family Traditions.

         Above all, we wish you a close-knit, fun-filled family-tying holiday season!

         From our family to yours,

         Desi Wightman