CookieMas 2024: A Celebration of Life, Love, and Cookies

CookieMas didn’t start as a big event—it began six years ago as a small gathering, just after my son Cairo was

born. Back then, it was more of a sip and- see for him, but that first party sparked something in me: the joy of

bringing people together, sharing laughs, and making memories outside of life’s heavier moments.

In loving memory of my sister and cousin who remind me to cherish every moment with the ones we love.

You see, before Cairo, I had lost my sister and cousin, and that heartbreak made me realize I didn’t want the only time I saw people I care about to be at funerals. CookieMas became my way of celebrating life—creating space to gather, laugh, and share moments that remind us of what’s good and joyful.

Each year, this tradition grows sweeter and more meaningful. It’s about more than just cookies; it’s about connection, love, and celebrating the season with the people who make life brighter. This year’s CookieMas was no exception—it brought together chefs, amateurs, moms, and divas, all baking up their best to make the event unforgettable.

Planning CookieMas 2024: Hot Cocoa and Cookies

Planning CookieMas is both a challenge and a joy. This year’s theme was Hot Cocoa and Cookies, which set the tone for a cozy, festive evening. From the food and drinks to the fun and games, everything centered around warmth, sweetness, and holiday cheer.

The Setup: Food Station and Festive Drinks

This year, I kept the food setup simple yet festive to match the family-and friends vibe of CookieMas. A bold red tablecloth added to the Christmas spirit, and I arranged the food buffet style for easy access. The spread

included vegetable lasagna, chicken alfredo, and sausage and pepper pasta, complemented by fresh fruit,

veggies with dips, and other guest contributions. Penny’s lettuce wraps were the standout dish—they

disappeared in minutes!

The CookieMas 2024 food station simple, festive, and filled with delicious options

The drink station was another highlight, featuring a Hot Cocoa Bar at the center. Guests could customize their

cocoa with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. For the adults, a splash of chocolate Baileys elevated the experience.

Hot Cocoa anyone?? Our hot cocoa bar was a classic touch.

I also served two Christmas punches: one non-alcoholic and one alcoholic. The non-alcoholic punch, displayed in a large clear punch bowl, was a huge hit. Inspired by this Pinterest recipe, I made it my own with cranberry flavored ginger ale, cran-apple juice, and garnishes of fresh cranberries and orange slices.

A festive and refreshing non-alcoholic punch, perfect for all ages.

The alcoholic punch, served in a gorgeous Christmas tree drink dispenser gifted by a friend, featured

Cranberry Ginger Ale, orange and pineapple juice, vodka, and orange slices. It was festive, flavorful, and

added just the right holiday cheer.

This Christmas tree drink dispenser was the perfect touch for the alcoholic punch

Games, Gifts, and That Cookie Contest

CookieMas is more than food and drinks —it’s about creating memories. This year, I introduced a White Elephant gift exchange with a twist: I provided all the gifts! From leftover prizes from past events to new purchases, each wrapped gift added a layer of fun and surprise.

Watching everyone laugh, snatch gifts, and unwrap surprises was one of the night’s highlights. Of course, the Cookie Contest stole the show. With 10 entries, it was our biggest competition yet! Guests—both new and returning—stepped up with incredible creations. The winner, a Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie, was

every bit as delicious as it sounds.

A Sweet Prize for the Sweetest Cookie

Each year, I love coming up with a unique prize for the Cookie Contest winner. Over the years, I’ve gifted

everything from custom trophies to engraved wooden spoons and baker’s baskets. This year, I got creative and

customized a cookie jar myself using my Cricut machine. Seeing the winner’s excitement made all the effort

completely worth it.

This year’s Cookie Contest winner took home this custom cookie jar! Handmade with love from yours truly!

The Magic of the Evening

CookieMas 2024 wasn’t just about the cookies or the competition—it was about connection, laughter, and creating memories with the people I love. One unforgettable moment was my son stealing the show with his performance of 24K Magic by Bruno Mars. Watching him light up the room with his energy and joy was the cherry on top of an already perfect evening.

The White Elephant game turned into a centerpiece of the night, and with 10 incredible cookies to judge, we didn’t even need to play additional games. Guests came decked out in festive sweaters and holiday attire, adding to the cozy and celebratory atmosphere.

The CookieMas crew brought all the festive vibes!

Why I Love Hosting CookieMas

CookieMas is more than a party—it’s a tradition rooted in love, joy, and connection. Every laugh, every bite, and every hug reminds me of why I put my heart into this event year after year. This year’s CookieMas reminded me once again that the most important things in life aren’t things at all—they’re the moments we share with the people who matter most.