Cookies and Another Santa

~This is a Santa I made about 20 years ago. I drew out the pattern on paper, and my Hubby cut him out of wood. I then painted him, added toys and hid a music box in his sack. I bring him out every year. I made 2 more and gave them away as gifts. Funny thing is, his face so looks like someone we know and I couldn't help thinking the little guy kind of took on a bit of life ( not in a spooky way ) as he stared at me while I worked on him.~Here is a plate of sugar cookies I baked up tonight using the recipe from yesterdays' post. The grandchildren are not here and I did not want to take the time to roll out and cut the dough, I am busy finishing up things for the bazaar this weekend. So I simply pulled a roll of the dough out of the fridge, sliced it like one would a loaf of bread, baked the sliced bits of cookie dough, cooled the cookies, and decorated with the powdered sugar icing and sprinkles. Voila ! Freshly baked Christmas cookies and hot coffee . ( The larger snowman in the picture was made by my Hubby's youngest sister and her husband who live next door. ) ~And just what would Christmas be like around Cedar Pond without a decorated Labrador Retriever or two or three or four ? Here is Beatrix, putting up with bows and picture taking. "You have never been properly welcomed and given holiday greetings until you have been welcomed by a quartet of Labs. Retrievers to the core they will greet you with something in the mouth- a boot, mitten, child's toy, anything that is in reach and retrievable." Jo Northrup

~"Christmas! Tis the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial fire of charity in the heart." Washington Irving