Cookies, cookies, and more cookies. This is the time of year when you see cookies everywhere! In fact, today is even National Bake Cookies Day. If you like to bake – what a wonderful time of year for you! If you prefer not to bake then you certainly would appreciate an alternative.
I fall into the “I’d rather not bake” category. (For a pretty amusing story – and more info on why I don’t bake check out my previous post explaining what happened when I tried to make bread.) However, I still have a need for Christmas cookies . . . holiday parties, work gatherings for my husband, and gifts for friends. Plus, let’s be honest, I want to eat some also!
In my view – I have a few options
- I can bake the cookies myself. (Probably not a great idea!)
- I can buy the cookies from a local baker. (Ohhh – I love delegating)
- I can participate in a cookie exchange. (At least I would only have to supply one type!)
- I can create a mini-cookie making factory. (Sounds like I can be in charge!)
I choose option #4.
Each year my family gathers together and we make cookies.
The numbers of bakers may vary (some years we’ve had as few as 5, other years as many as 20) the ages range from 10 – 85 years old, and the amount and types of cookies we create changes each year.
One thing remains constant, however, I’m in charge!
Why would a non-baker be in charge on cookie day?
Because I’m a time strategy visionary. I transfer the time management skills I teach clients into maximizing our time and minimizing our effort on National Bake Cookies Day.
- Delegation – You certainly won’t see me doing all the work while 10 people watch! Everyone gets a job!
- Systems and routines – Our kitchen (dining room, living room, and hallway) turns into a well-oiled assembly line.
- Checklists – Each person knows what supplies to bring. Plus adjustments are made each year based on what worked and what didn’t.
- Project Planning – What cookies go into the oven and when, how long to cool, when to frost, what to make next . . . lots of moving parts when you have 20 people working in a space built for 4!
- Distractions – We use lots of timers!!!! No “forgotten” cookies in the oven here.
- Motivation – After a few hours, the attention span of some of the workers start to fall off. So, I employ some external motivational techniques by moving some of the stations into the TV room so they can work and watch football.
I love that I can use “my gifts for good” on this day. Don’t get confused – I’m still not a baker. But on this day, delicious items emerge from my kitchen.
What are your gifts? Are you a baker? A list maker? A big picture thinker? Share your gifts below!
As you read how we use time management strategies on National Bake Cookies Day – are thinking . . . “hmm . . . I wish I could delegate more”? Or maybe you are pondering, “I wonder how I could work more efficiently in 2014?”
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My 9 year old told us yesterday that she wants to be a baker when she grows up.. She has cooked us dinner several times, and have made us desserts as well.. if she wants it i tell her to go for it..
How fun! She can bake at my house anytime! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Aww I love to make cookies. When it comes to the holidays I love to bake, but I never really want to make them because I am always afraid of how they will turn out. This is a great post
Renee –
Glad you enjoyed the post. I’m not a fan of baking. . . but it sure is more fun with family and friends!
Lisa
Even though I am not a baker at heart, baking cookings at Christmas time with my daughters when they were growing up was one thing they looked forward to and still remember :-) We would put Christmas music and drink hot chocolate while working. I would say that was one present they have not forgotten about! Thanks for the inspiring post
Delmy –
Sounds wonderful! So glad you were able to mentally revisit a special time in your life!
Lisa
That sounds like a lot of fun! I love the idea of delegating everything, well done you. I bake a little at Christmas time, with my 2 boys, but only enough for us, certainly not to give away, they aren’t good enough for that!
Phoebe –
Thanks for stopping by! I remember the first time I baked with my nephews – I thought, “there is no way anyone can eat these cookies – so many germs from licked fingers!”
lisa
I use option 1, 2, or 4, depending on how much energy I have, and if my daughter wants to bake something. This Christmas will be bake free. I enjoy baking, but I hate the clean-up.
Ahhh . . . I delegate the clean up! Happy Holidays!
lisa
I wish I could :)
Thanks, and the same to you
This created a wonderful picture in my mind of the assembly line. With lots of juggling of space, ingredients noise and laughter. Wonderful time management as always Lisa
Lorelle –
Thanks for the compliment! It is a fun time – hectic – but fun!
Lisa
For National Cookie Day I’d buy cookies from the local baker & support the local community.
YES! That is certainly my 2nd option! (Really – anything trumps having to bake them alone!)
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
I love baking Christmas cookies! Almost the only time of the year I actually bake. Love your system, Lisa :)
Hi Delia –
Thrilled you found value! Happy baking!
Lisa
I love baking, Lisa, but sadly, I did not have the time to do bake this year. I should have read this article sooner. :-) Happy holidays!
Robin –
Happy Holidays!
Lisa