My dad would be up at dawn, not to prepare some elaborate feast, but to set up the treasure hunt he'd created using clues written on the backs of old envelopes. Each riddle led us kids to another spot in the house, building anticipation for modest gifts hidden in creative places. The whole thing probably cost him nothing but time and imagination, yet thirty years later, I remember those hunts more vividly than any expensive present I've ever received.
When most of us think of the holidays, we picture spending them with family - and that's exactly what my husband and I did for over 20 years. Our tradition was to stay in Los Angeles to be with my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who all lived within driving distance of our home. It was always fun eating tamales, dancing to traditional ranchero music, and laughing at my dad's nonsensical jokes.
Let's talk about holiday baking that goes beyond cookies! These are the festive winter bakes to try. The list includes an ultra fragrant gingerbread cake, a bright citrus loaf, and the perfect flourless chocolate cake. Few people love baking holiday cookies more than me, but a good amount of my favorite December baking happens outside the cookie platter. Think fragrant spice cakes, all things citrus, buttery, and bright - or deep, melty chocolate on the frostiest nights.
The holidays have passed, and 2026 is... you know, whatever 2026 is. But that doesn't mean we've moved past every last vestige of Christmas. In fact, Scary Mommy editors are still yapping about the stuff we got in December that has enhanced our lives in some way. This roundup is devoted to them: our favorite Christmas gifts. These are things Scary Mommy editors actually received, and would 100% re-buy for ourselves.
