Christmas Card Recipe Swap

Sending Christmas cards is a tradition that has lasted for over 50 years and is still going strong. Over the past few decades it has become popular to send a Christmas "letter" or pictures of your children along with your Christmas cards. While this can be interesting, I try to do other things to make my Christmas greetings a little more personal. I want my friends and relatives to receive my cards with enjoyment and really want to send one back.

Ten years ago, I started a tradition that we all seem to enjoy. A Christmas recipe swap. The first year that I did this I wrote a quick note on my computer telling everyone that I was sending the recipe so that they could see what recipes our family enjoys and try them for themselves. I asked that they feel free to send me a recipe in exchange when they sent their card. I also wrote a greeting and wishes for a wonderful holiday season. I then wrote out the recipe for our favorite Christmas cookies. I ran copies of the recipe and note (they fit on one sheet of paper) on festive paper and enclosed them with my Christmas cards.

The first year, I received back only about 10 new recipes. But, I did also receive personal notes from most of my friends and relatives telling me how much they enjoyes the new tradition. The next year, I chose a different recipe and did the same thing. I received back even more recipes and personalized notes. The following year, due to illness, I did not enclose my recipe. Many people mentioned how much they missed the tradition. The next year we started it back up again. This is such a little thing that you can do to show that you care about people. Giving them a recipe that your family enjoys is like inviting them to join you in your celebrations. And getting recipes back is like being allowed into their little world in return. The connections you can make with a simple recipe are amazing.

Recipes that make good choices for this tradition include cookies, appetizers and breads. Really, any recipe is wonderful as long as it is one that means something to you! Sharing personal thoughts and memories about the recipe make it even more personal. I have recently thought that I might stop sending actual Christmas cards and only send the recipe exchange and letter. The personal touch should never be underrated!