Christmas Goodies

Soon after Thanksgiving I begin to think about the things I'll make as gifts for friends. I wonder, should make some decorated cookies, homemade breads, or my "Comfort and Joy," granola with every grain and nut and fruit possible? I make it a ritual to go to foodnetwork.com and look for something new to bake; yet I always seem to gravitate toward my old favorites. Whatever I make I like it to be something time consuming. I like what I'm making to take time for a few reasons. I like the aroma wafting through my home, I like tasting the results; because I can't give a gift that isn't any good--lol. I also like the idea of taking time to please my friends and that they are unaware that I'm taking time for them; until they receive their goodies. I also love when my daughter(s) or a friend bakes with me. It is such a wonderfully cozy experience. It includes laughing; tasting; and maybe a glass or two of Wine, all while arranging the baked goods in some way to present it beautifully---all Christmas Goodies!