Way back when I was in high school, having children was never in my plans. In fact, with serious relationships, I made it known “No Kids!”. I wanted my own business and to be a part of the corporate fast track. Beware of what you wish for, right?
This time of year is the toughest when you don’t have children. I often catch myself smiling when seeing the excitement of children in the stores and around the holiday scenery. When we go to parties, I often feel left out as parents talk about their children.
For the most part, I don’t regret not having children but every now and then, it hits: that mother-nature inclination to be a mom. It makes me wonder if that’s why I’m so focused on other activities and always searching for some new thrill or challenge. It’s like trying to fill a void that will never be filled. Life goes on and we live with our choices, making the best of what we have.
I consider myself very blessed even though I missed out on one of life’s greatest blessings. I have a lot to be thankful for.
What are you thankful for in your life?
SANTA’S WHISKER COOKIES
A cookie from the North pole. Not super easy, in fact my cookies resulted in too soft of a dough to cut without squashing. The taste? Just like Christmas- FANTASTIC!
Makes about 60 cookies – copied from site
3/4 cup Promise Healthy Heart Margarine
2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup finely chopped candied red or green cherries
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
3/4 cup coconut
Directions
Beat margarine with a mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half the flour, the sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat till thoroughly combined. Stir in remaining flour. Stir in cherries and pecans. Shape into 8-inch rolls. Roll in coconut. Wrap in wax paper; chill 2- 24 hours. Cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven 12 – 14 minutes or until the edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Light and fluffy.
Santa has to make you smile!
I, too, have chosen to not have kids. I think it’s more prevalent now than ever.
It can be hard around the holidays. For me it’s more Halloween, as I would love to take kids trick or treating.
In the end, though, it’s just a better fit for me to not have kids. I get to spend my money on what I want, my schedule isn’t dictated by school activities and such, and I get to sleep in.
You’re so right Angela. Halloween is another fun times for moms and dads.
I was told once that if I was waiting for the perfect time to have children, it would never happen.
There never seems to be a “right fit” or “right time”. But if you want kids, you go for it with no
regrets.
I have two grown sons and wished I had more, now that I am older I regret not trying for a girl to cook with even though they both are awesome cooks, I count my blessings for them every day. Now I will wait for the grand babies and hope for a healthy one no matter what it is. Everytime I bake a batch of cookies I think of my nieces in upstate ny and wished I were there to share the fun. The boys don’t bake! Its all fate, some people never get to choose that, no regrets with fate in mind they are all the right choices, we really dont make them. Have a wonderful holiday your cookies are charming and warm the child in me!
Some girls don’t like to bake either – don’t get that but…hey, we can’t all enjoy the same things.
Enjoy the holidays with your boys. They may not like to cook but I bet they LOVE to eat what you cook.
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Joanne,
Your post brought tears to my eyes. You have been a wonderful stepmom, and I know it’s not the same, esp. since I was in college when you and Dad met. You are always there for me and offer great advice. Your love and support means the world to me. And you are a fur-mom to Shane. He is so happy that you are his mom 🙂
Much love,
Pam
Pam – now I’m sitting here at work a total mess with tears running down MY face. Your so sweet and as I told your Mom at your wedding, she sure is fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter…daughters! – as Angela is pretty awesome as well. Thank you for making my day. 🙂
Awwww…….Joanne, what a great post. So honest.
I’m thankful for my fantastic family, good running shoes, and christmas cookies. 🙂
We have elected (for various reasons) not to try for children. Your post struck a deep chord with me as there are just those times you wonder. And when you’re newlywed like us, you get the constant question. I love the Santa’s Whiskers and the Santa. They made me smile. Any time you want to talk life’s decisions like that, you can always write. Stay warm sunshine!
I’m not a woman, well I’m man with a kid ;-), but I know it’s completely different the sensation for women. I respect the positions of that subject – no matter which is.
Speaking about Santa cookies you don’t need a cold day to enjoy them, here is hot and love them 🙂
Cheers,
Gera
This is such a sweet post Joanne. Thanks for being so honest with all of us!
And now I am going to be honest with you. I am completely enamored with these cookies. Almost like a peppermint macaroon…and what could be better!
Coconut, cherries and pecans…yes, this does sound just delightful! I love the color of these holiday treats too. Very festive. I also appreciated hearing your thoughts about this season and your decision to not have children. Ryan and I are still trying to decide what we want for our lives, and it is so encouraging to see people who have decided to do things differently. I know it has it’s drawbacks, but I’m sure there are many great aspects of not having kids too! I hope you have a wonderful end to your week. Thank you for brightening my day!
So cute and perfect for little xmas presents! :))
Your 1000 times better then me. I don’t want children either and it’s this time of year (when I am at my most inner child mood) that makes me really not like kids. Maybe its because I work retail and I get to see the best of the worst but whew… this time of year makes me realllllly not want kids. (This comment makes me sound horrible!!!). >.<
You’re funny. I saw on your blog you’re 20 something. When I was 20 something I would look at kids and growl. The last thing I wanted in my life were kids.
Things change. But I imagine in retail and this time of year it’s pretty bad between stressed out Moms and Dads and overly excited (not to mention sugar-drugged) kids.
Stay calm.
I love the name of these cookies!! Great photo’s too!!