One of my favorite memories of Christmas is baking with my mother.  We'd make several different kinds of treats, including banana bread, fudge, cookies, and my favorite, almond butter crunch.  This took several days, after which we'd make plates of treats to take around to neighbors and friends.  Now that I'm older, this is a tradition I want to continue.  My problem is that I'm a teacher, and the weeks before Christmas are probably the busiest all year.  Rather than give up my favorite Christmas activity, I have learned to streamline the process. 

To make Christmas baking stress free, cut down on the number of different treats you will make.  For example, make several loaves of banana or pumpkin bread, or bake two or three different types of cookies.  Another trick is to find easier recipes. There are wonderful candy recipes that can be made in the microwave rather than on the stove, saving time and energy.  Peanut brittle and fudge are two that work really well.  I also have a peanut butter cookie recipe that requires only three ingredients.  What is easier than that! You can use mixes for some of your goodies.  There are wonderful bread and cookie mixes at grocery stores and specialty shops.  They really do taste like homemade!

One other thing: get the kids involved in baking and delivering the goodies.  Younger kids can help decorate cookies and stir the mixes.  Older kids can put the plates together and help with the baking as well. The entire family can then take the treats around and perhaps sing carols along the way.  What a wonderful way to enjoy the holidays with your family!