Holiday time can be stressful. And add to it the expectation of giving everyone who comes into contact with your child a gift, and it can also get very expensive.

I’ve come up with a cost-effective solution that can be as inclusive (or exclusive) as I need, involves the kids (it’s for their teachers, after all) and plays to a few of my strengths (food and decorating).

Each year, I create a food-friendly, sweet treat to share with everyone. This year, I’m making a holiday cookie box.

I made 6 (!) different kinds of cookies and then mixed and matched them for the cookie boxes.

My kids schools break on different weeks, so I made just enough for the first round of cookie boxes, froze the rest of the dough, and will bake another set of cookies early next week.

I made most of the cookies while the kids were in school, but they insisted on decorating some, making others and tasting them all.

And, lucky you, I am stretching this holiday cookie box into a few more posts over the next few days. I have pictures, and recipes and stories behind each cookie… There were a few mishaps, some great lessons, and a cramped hand.

But you’ll have to stick around to get the full scoop. I’m manipulative like that.

{deena}