Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
This video is a window into the heart of my Christmas traditions—those small, enduring rituals that turn the season into something magical. Today, I’m baking sugar cutout cookies, a recipe that carries the weight of memory and love, handed down from friends and family no longer with us. These cookies are more than flour and sugar; they’re a connection to the past, a reminder of my mother, my childhood, and the friend who shared this recipe years ago.
As the dough comes together, I reflect on the importance of traditions—those threads that stitch families and friends into something stronger. Some traditions, like the pickle ornament hidden in the tree, were passed down from my mother; others, like our fiercely competitive cookie-decorating contest, are new but no less meaningful. There’s monkey bread on Christmas morning, sausage balls on the holiday table, and stories of laughter and love told between bites.
I’ve learned that traditions don’t need to be grand—they just need to be heartfelt. Whether it’s baking cookies, organizing a disc golf tournament, or simply gathering to exchange gifts, these moments are what keep us connected, even across miles and years. So, come along as I bake, reminisce, and share my favorite traditions. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your own family—or rediscover the joy in the ones you already have.
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Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
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✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
Instagram: instagram.com/that_1870s_homestead
Pinterest: pinterest.com/that1870s
EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
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Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
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00:00 Introduction
00:51 Why Christmas Needs Cutout Cookies
01:34 The Importance of Family Traditions
03:23 Memories of Loved Ones Through Traditions
04:08 The Story Behind Mama's Cutout Cookies
04:54 Encouragement to Start New Traditions
06:41 Christmas Traditions in Our Home
07:18 Cookie Decorating Competition
08:05 The Pickle in the Tree Tradition
08:53 Sibling Gift Exchange
10:30 Special Holiday Foods
11:53 Carrying Traditions Across Generations
13:35 The Feeling of Tradition
14:43 Finding Joy in the Holiday Season
This video is a window into the heart of my Christmas traditions—those small, enduring rituals that turn the season into something magical. Today, I’m baking sugar cutout cookies, a recipe that carries the weight of memory and love, handed down from friends and family no longer with us. These cookies are more than flour and sugar; they’re a connection to the past, a reminder of my mother, my childhood, and the friend who shared this recipe years ago.
As the dough comes together, I reflect on the importance of traditions—those threads that stitch families and friends into something stronger. Some traditions, like the pickle ornament hidden in the tree, were passed down from my mother; others, like our fiercely competitive cookie-decorating contest, are new but no less meaningful. There’s monkey bread on Christmas morning, sausage balls on the holiday table, and stories of laughter and love told between bites.
I’ve learned that traditions don’t need to be grand—they just need to be heartfelt. Whether it’s baking cookies, organizing a disc golf tournament, or simply gathering to exchange gifts, these moments are what keep us connected, even across miles and years. So, come along as I bake, reminisce, and share my favorite traditions. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your own family—or rediscover the joy in the ones you already have.
---------------
👕 Shop Our Merch: bonfire.com/store/1870smerch
🌻 HOSS Garden Tools & Seeds: shrsl.com/33ehp (Promo Code SHOP1870 for free seeds!)
🌱 MIGardener: migardener.com/1870
🌺 GREENSTALK Vertical Gardens: greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=SHOP1870 (Promo Code SHOP1870 for $10 off!)
🥒 Epic Gardening: glnk.io/73j50/8vn (Promo Code Shop1870 to get 5% off!)
🥫 FORJARS Canning Lids: forjars.co/?sca_ref=1911228.45BY9FFxdg (Promo Code SHOP1870 to get 10% off)
🍃 HARVEST Right Freeze Dryers: affiliates.harvestright.com/1182.html
🔦 OLIGHT Flashlights: bit.ly/3z6daku (Promo Code SHOP1870 for 10% off!)
🛒 Our Favorite AMAZON Finds: amzn.to/3ihSgZP
---------------
Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
---------------
✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
Instagram: instagram.com/that_1870s_homestead
Pinterest: pinterest.com/that1870s
EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
---------------
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
---------------
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Why Christmas Needs Cutout Cookies
01:34 The Importance of Family Traditions
03:23 Memories of Loved Ones Through Traditions
04:08 The Story Behind Mama's Cutout Cookies
04:54 Encouragement to Start New Traditions
06:41 Christmas Traditions in Our Home
07:18 Cookie Decorating Competition
08:05 The Pickle in the Tree Tradition
08:53 Sibling Gift Exchange
10:30 Special Holiday Foods
11:53 Carrying Traditions Across Generations
13:35 The Feeling of Tradition
14:43 Finding Joy in the Holiday Season
