Photograph Credit: Flickr (Nikki Aden)
About eight years ago, I was invited to my first cookie exchange. I remember receiving the invitation and adding the event to my calendar. On the appointed week, I baked the 12-15 dozen cookies, packaged them up, and prepared for the party.
As a one-car family, Paul and I showed up to our friends’ house with cookies in hand. The hostess greeted us and welcomed us to her kitchen. As the other participants began arriving, I realized that only ladies were attending. The panic set in.
Questions filled my mind: To whom was the invitation addressed? Did I read the invitation correctly? Oh, no, Paul’s the ONLY guy here.
Admitting that I must have made a mistake, I asked the hostess if her husband would be joining us. When she graciously informed me that her husband was out for the night, I felt horrible. Seeing my expression, she included Paul and made light of my mistake. The evening was filled with Christmas memories, laughter (thankfully, with me and not at me), and lots of cookies.
Paul was a good sport at that first exchange, but every cookie exchange I have attended since, Paul humorously asks if he is invited. Having made that mistake once, I have learned and not repeated. But it makes for a great cookie exchange story and a reminder, to read the invitation.
Basic Cookie Exchange Rules
1. Invite friends to a cookie exchange party asking for an RSVP and type of cookies/treats the invitee will bring.
2. Contact all friends after receiving the RSVP notices with the number of cookies each needs to bring (number varies from 5-12 cookies per participant).
3. Each participant bakes the total number of cookies and brings to the party. If 20 individuals participate at a dozen cookies each, then bring 240 cookies. Nineteen may be given to the other participants while the last dozen can be shared with the group.
4. Exchange cookies at the party. Some exchanges ask the bakers to pre-wrap their cookies while others ask that you bring an empty containers to take home a sampling of the other cookies.
5. Leaving the party with lots of cookies to share, treat, and enjoy.
Though I have never hosted a cookie exchange, I enjoy kicking off my Christmas baking by committing to a cookie exchange. Returning home after a night out with the girls (most of the time) and a wide selection of cookies is time well spent.
As you consider your engagements this season, consider using time wisely to get your baking started by hosting or attending a cookie exchange. Just remember to read your invitation carefully, so your husband is not stuck listening to women all night. 🙂 Happy planning!
Question: What do you like or dislike about cookie exchanges? Rather not leave a comment? Then join the discussion on Using Time Wisely’s Facebook page.