Christmas is officially one week away. Though we’re still in the office through next Tuesday, we’d be lying if we said we don’t have visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads already. We’re looking forward to the excitement of unwrapping presents on Christmas morning, but even more so we’re anticipating the treats and traditions the holidays bring. We’d like to share with you a few of our favorites.

Office Christmas Party

The weekend before Christmas the whole team comes together to celebrate. We share laughs over dinner and drinks and at the end of the meal, we hold a Yankee Swap. From cute to kooky, the gifts are always a source of holiday cheer. Our party for this year will be held this Friday and I for one am excited to see who gets my present!

Christmas Eve

Personally, I’m looking forward to Christmas Eve even more than Christmas Day, due to my most prized yearly tradition. On the day of Christmas Eve, my dad and I do our last minute stocking stuffer shopping together, stopping at local shops for handmade fudge and locally roasted coffees. I love sipping on my eggnog latte as we stroll through the quaint village and capping off our day with a to-die-for grilled cheese at a local bakery.

We all share a common tradition on Christmas Eve as well: opening just one present! Some have their families choose a special present for them to unwrap while others play the odds, but we all love getting a sneak peak at what’s to come the next morning.

Christmas Morning

Nothing is better on a cold Christmas morning than a warm, comforting sticky bun. However, who has the time to make them, especially when there are stockings to unstuff and presents to open? My family has found the perfect compromise: Pull-Apart Rolls, or as they are more commonly known, Monkey Bread. Our recipe is simple and fast, but sinfully delicious. I’ve included the ingredients and steps below so you can make this a tradition of your own!

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped Walnuts or Pecans
• 18 Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls (The Dough, not the Pre-Cooked Rolls)
• ¾ Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 Stick of Butter, Melted
• 1 box Jello Butterscotch Cook and Serve Pudding Mix

Instructions

• The night before Christmas, spray a Bundt Pan or Pie Dish (I prefer a pie dish because it makes the rolls in the center even gooier!) with cooking spray and evenly arrange the nuts in the bottom of the dish.
• Place the rolls evenly around the dish, starting at the edge and working your way inward.
• Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the rolls
• Pour the melted butter evenly over all the rolls, making sure to get some in the nooks and crannies between them as well.
• Sprinkle the pudding mix over all of the rolls evenly. Gently shake the pan to distribute.
• Cover the rolls with a clean tea towel and let rise overnight.
• On Christmas morning, preheat the oven to 350° F.
• Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
• Place a large plate or serving dish upside down on top of the bundt pan or pie dish. Carefully, using oven mitts, flip the dish over so the rolls are upright on the plate. Gently shake and remove pan or pie dish.
• Enjoy!

Christmas Night

Before Christmas dinner each year, Theresa says a prayer with her family. Then, they open Christmas Crackers to start the meal off with a POP! Some guests even wear the crowns from their crackers through dessert. Jennifer has a tradition of her own for Christmas Night: a special drink to cap off the festivities! This Adult Apple Cider is truly a treat. She combines apple cider, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, and Cinnamon Schnapps – she prefers Hot Damn – to create a cocktail that can only be described as the holidays in a glass. Though she says it would be incredible warm, she serves it in a punch bowl over ice so everyone has easy access to refills – a must since this drink is too tasty to stop after just one glass.

These are just some of the traditions and treats we’re can’t wait to honor and taste this Christmas. What are your favorite holiday customs or dishes that you’re looking forward to (or have already enjoyed)? Share them in the comments below or on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you and see what new traditions we can start for ourselves!