Christmas Holly Wreaths (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas)

This post is inspired by the concept of Musical Nutrition and the song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".

“Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there is a memory, they live in our hearts to stay.” - Unknown

It’s interesting how the holidays have a way of evoking either happy or sad memories from your childhood. For me, the holidays were filled with joy even though our family was hit with sadness. My father was ill most of my life and my siblings and I all knew that at some point there would be a time when Dad would not be with us for Christmas. I think that was why my parents tried to make each memory one that we would pass on to our own children.

Two weeks prior to Christmas, my mom would shop for ingredients to make roughly five different varieties of cookies. But the one I remember helping her with the most were the ones she called, Holly Wreaths. Now, these cookies aren’t anything all too difficult and most likely not ones on Martha Stewart's cookie list. But for me, these cookies were special, partly because my mom let me help with them but also because while we made them, she would share with me the story of why my parents named me, Holly. As the story goes, my dad felt like 'Holly' was an appropriate name for me since I was born between Halloween and Christmas. My mom would share stories of her childhood, and I would make her laugh with my green tongue dyed with green food coloring as I sampled the wreaths.

While my mom and I made cookies in the kitchen, I remember my dad playing Christmas songs in the family room. My dad loved the old ones, like Nat King Cole and Judy Garland. He would build a fire and begin putting up the tree. Our home was filled with warmth, love, and most importantly, it was a home filled with Christ in Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we always went to the eleven o’clock service which got us home after midnight. I remember during the church service thinking about Christmas morning with such anticipation. I couldn’t wait to get up early and peek into my stocking. I would fall asleep in the car on the way home, and my dad would carry me into my room to lovingly place me into to bed with a soft kiss. I sure loved my dad 😊

Christmas morning started out with my mom making a beautifully prepared breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, corn fritters with her homemade maple syrup, and cinnamon sugar donuts from our local Bells apple orchard. My grandma always drove in from Chicago to share in the festivities, too.

It was a beautiful time in our house with my siblings, parents, and grandma. It’s a memory that begins in the kitchen with the Holly Wreaths: one that will never be forgotten and one that will be carried forward from generation to generation. In fact, the Holly Wreaths are now my kids and grandkids favorites!

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Recipe of the Day: Christmas Holly Wreaths

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Stick of Butter (1/2 cup)

• 30 Large Marshmallows

• 6 tsp Drops of Green Gel Food Coloring or 1 1/4 Liquid Green Food Coloring

• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

• 5 Cups Cornflakes

• 1 Bottle of Red Hot Candies or 1/2 cup Red Candy Coated Chocolates

• Cooking Spray

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Place the marshmallows and butter in a large bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until melted.

3. Add the green food coloring and vanilla; stir until the marshmallow mixture is smooth.

4. Add the cornflakes to the bowl and gently stir to coat the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture.

5. Pack the mixture into a greased 1/4 cup measuring cup and turn out onto the sheet pan. Use your fingers to make a hole in the middle to form a wreath shape and decorate with red candies. It's easiest to form the wreath holes if your fingers are damp or coated in cooking spray.

6. Cool completely until firm and serve.