Those who know me, know that the annual Cookie Swap at my house is a tradition that's near and dear to my heart. I don't know why I wanted to host a cookie swap in the first place. I probably saw an article in a magazine and thought "that looks like fun." Next think I knew I was making invitations and putting them in mailboxes around the neighborhood.

Some cookie swaps call for 6 dozen cookies. Mine is slightly more manageable: 3 dozen of a single cookie. I am particularly proud of this year's invitation, made with rubber spatulas from the dollar store (3 per pack) and a thin sharpie marker (also from the dollar store).

I also tested a new recipe from the Southern Living at Home Christmas 2007 book. Cookie Lollipops. My kids loved them and they look quite nice as a treat for giving. I'll post the recipe tomorrow.

The madness—I mean, the most wonderful time of year—has officially begun.