On December 22nd I held my 5th Annual Cookie Exchange. It was originally to be held on the 15th, but because of a promised "Noreaster," it was held on the 22nd. We had a few less bakers, but, it still was a wonderful party. I am the one with gingerbread sweater and shirt on.

Our cookies again came in such creative and very useful package. A Beautiful glass Christmas bowl that came with handmade pine filled pillows, Christmas kitchen towels filled with cookies, festive plates, and even a recipe box filled with cookies.

The cookies this year were:

• Oatmeal Scotchies

• Peppermint Kisses

• Italian Knots

• Zerbo Schnitten (an Austrian cookie)

• Sptizbuben (an Austrian cake like cookie)

• Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies

We played Christmas Bingo, 5 games of it!! The ladies had such a good time. We had a first to RSVP prize which was a set of snowman salt and pepper shakers and also our most festively dressed prize that was won by Minerva who came in her Naughty or Nice pj’s, with Santa hat, blankie, and Rudolph slippers. She looked great. She received a small snowman lamp.

Our buffet was so delicious, shrimp cocktail, bourbon chicken, mini quiches, Zesty Hot Broccoli dip, deviled eggs, hot salsa and cheese dip, sweet potato chips, crackers, and some fabulous desserts, mini pastries, the cupcake tree, and the most decadent Chocolate Souffle Cake that you have ever tasted. Wine, soda, and coffee.

As I have said before these exchanges are not just about all the wonderful cookies, but the wonderful gift of friendship. It really makes my heart feel so good. I have ideas already for next year.

Robin, without your wonderful website so many of us would never have started having cookie exchanges. Thank you ever so much.

Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas season, and a peaceful New Year.

Cathie Wallace, Brodheadsville, PA