Of Snowmen, Sweets and Serendipity »

That moment when a gift lands exactly where you hoped it would.

I’ve been sharing my pre-loved Christmas decorations and paraphernalia this year. Some might call my collection excessive; I call it enthusiastic. When I unearthed a snowman mug, bowl, and plate set, I immediately thought of a friend with a young daughter. In my mind’s eye, I could already see it holding a treat for Santa on Christmas Eve, now that her little one is just the right age for that kind of magic.

When I gave it to her, she lit up and said that was exactly what she wanted to do with it.

That's when the universe gave a little wink. I asked her what kind of cookies they put out for Santa and she mentioned a cookie she bakes only once a year, only at Christmas. As she described it, she asked if I’d heard of Anna Olson, who she’d learned the recipe from years before. I smiled, because not only do I make that same recipe, but I have the pleasure of knowing Anna and her husband Michael.

I recognized that my friend was talking about Icebox Meltaways – those butter-rich, tender little cookies that seem to disappear as soon as they hit the plate. It's a recipe I’ve already shared several times this season – because some things are worth repeating!

My sister Sherry, a mega-Anna fan, sent me the link to Anna's Meltaway video last year and I'll share it here: https://youtu.be/RItOCl7X1os?si=7zoELgteSKt965bn. You should try it! 

This is the season that reminds me how meaning travels — through kitchens, through stories, through small traditions shared. 

Some people believe in Santa. I do too and I believe in butter, memory and intention.