The Holidays are Here

Ah, how I love Christmas. I just arrived in Texas yesterday, and the gingerbread men and sugar cookies that my brother baked have been calling my name non-stop! I was in a sugar coma yesterday, especially after decorating every last one of them. I figure, "Hey, the holidays are only here once a year, why not indulge?" Of course, I'll be mad at myself when I see how much the scale has crept up after the holidays. But, isn't that what New Year's Resolutions are for? It will definitely be time to kick some diet in high gear- not sure what it will be yet.

My family members and I all know how to cook quite well, especially when it comes to baking! I think the key to baking and not gaining weight is to bake stuff you don't like. For example, I made two pecan pies for one of my friends on Saturday. I prefer other types of pie (cherry is my favorite), but was happy to try my hand at something new. Since this isn't my favorite dessert, I didn't try it in the process, thus not gaining an inch around my waist.

On the other hand, when I helped decorate the cookies yesterday, I had to try the sugar cookies by themselves, the icing by itself, and then both together. I'm not kidding when I say sugar coma. I sometimes wish that recipe was not so good because then I would not want them so much. Luckily, they are such a pain to make that the sheer exhaustion keeps me from craving them.

One thing is for sure- the holidays are here and in full swing. I will live it up now, but I better be ready to crack down come 2008.