When you mention that the holidays are around the corner, people tend to fall into one of two categories. There’s the bright-eyed bunch who exclaim, “Yes! I’m so excited for the snow and seeing family!” Then there are those who sigh, “I can’t believe it’s here already. I just want it to be over.” To be honest, I’ve been both people. Some years, I can’t wait to start baking and decorating. Other years, the thought of going above the garage and pulling down three 5-foot tote bins makes me want to book a one-way ticket to Bali.
This year, I’ve realized the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Making the season special, even when it feels like work, has become part of what makes it, well, special.
I used to be what I’d call a “maximalist Christmas person.” My mom, my sister and I would look forward to the Elijah Kellogg Church Christmas sale every year. I’d grab any and all Christmas decor priced $10 and under, stocking up on new (old) garlands, lights, mugs and whatever vintage treasures I could find. The ladies at the checkout would see us coming and start preparing large cardboard boxes for our haul. It was a thrill — part treasure hunt, part tradition. Then I’d head home, rearrange every corner of my house, and bring down the rest of my decorations from the garage. It was chaotic and a little overwhelming, but also completely magical.
Then came my minimalist phase. I realized I had way too many decorations, so I donated several bags and decided to simplify. Thankfully, my sister took over putting up the tree that year, because I couldn’t bring myself to do it. The house looked clean, calm and serene, but something was missing. I missed the chaos, the laughter, even the arguments about who bought which ornament from where (as if it mattered). What I really missed was doing it together.
Now, this year, I find myself somewhere in between. You won’t find me buying any new decorations. I’m determined to use what I have and make the process a little more peaceful than before. I’ll still bake my way through the holidays, and those baked goods will likely become my Christmas gifts.
One of my favorite recipes for this time of year is my Gingerbread Bundt cake. It fills the kitchen with warmth and spice, looks beautiful on any table, and makes the perfect sweet treat to share.
The holidays have a funny way of shifting with us. Some years are busy and bursting with light; others are quiet and slow. But no matter the pace, there’s always something worth savoring: a familiar smell, a shared memory, a slice of cake still warm from the oven. This year, I’m choosing to make room for those moments. Not by being perfect, just present in each moment.
Gingerbread Bundt cake
Ingredients:
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light-brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- Topping: powdered sugar
Directions:
Lightly oil a Bundt cake pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, cream together butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until well combined. Add molasses and combine. Add vanilla and eggs, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the dry ingredients, then the milk and sour cream. Mix until fully combined; don’t overmix. Scrape down the bowl, then pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake 45-50 minutes.
Allow the cake to cool for no more than 10 minutes in the pan, as it will stick, then turn out onto a cooling rack. Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
