Sugary, Sprinkly, Sparkly Memories

#CountdowntoChristmas

Today, while beginning to decorate our home for the holidays, I found myself swept up in memories of our store and the magical Decembers we used to create. Our store in Pepper Pike wasn’t just a destination for fine gifts—it was where families came to feel the true spirit of the season.

For over 30 years, Schreibmans was our place of joy, tradition, and little touches of holiday mischief. One of our most cherished traditions was our annual cookie decorating parties, where we transformed our elegant, formal store into a hub of holiday cheer.

Picture this: a table overflowing with freshly baked sugar cookies, bowls of colorful frosting (lovingly made by my mom), and heaps of candies waiting to be sprinkled. The air was filled with the sound of cheerful holiday carols, and the scent of pine and peppermint drifted through the store. Children grabbed their plastic knives and got to work, creating edible masterpieces with frosting-covered smiles. Cups of steaming hot cocoa with tiny marshmallows were handed out, and Mrs. Claus herself would make an appearance, delighting children and adding a touch of enchantment to the day. Each child could make as many cookies as they wanted, and then we wrapped them up and tied a ribbon around the plate!

My staff thought I was crazy—inviting kids armed with frosting and candy into a store full of fine china, silver, and gifts! But the laughter, the joy, and the connection those parties created made every bit of cleanup worth it. They became a beloved tradition for so many families, and those memories still warm my heart.

My customers used to ask me why we went to such lengths to create these experiences. My reply was always simple: In retail, if you don’t celebrate in your business during the holidays, you miss the holidays. Experiences like these were my way of creating the Christmas I wanted my family, employees, and customers to enjoy together.

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on those experiences as I write about the magic that retail can create—a kind of magic I feel has been lost in many ways. It’s about more than selling; it’s about crafting moments of wonder and connection.

So, when one of my husband’s customers recently sent us an adorable cookie decorating kit, it felt like a little nudge from the universe—a reminder of the joy those parties brought and the magic we can all create for others, even in small ways.

If you’re looking to create your own holiday tradition at home, why not host a cookie decorating party? It doesn’t have to be complicated—just a table of sugar cookies, a few bowls of frosting, some colorful candies, and the people you love. Turn on your favorite holiday carols, pour some hot cocoa, and let the magic happen. The joy isn’t in perfection; it’s in the laughter, the creativity, and the memories you’ll make together.

In honor of those memories, here’s Mom’s Almond Cookie Frosting and my Hot Chocolate —two of the recipes that made our holiday traditions so special:

Mom’s Almond Cookie Frosting

Ingredients:

• 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/4 cup milk (plus more as needed for consistency)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) until light and fluffy.

2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps.

3. Mix in Almond Extract: Add the almond extract and mix until combined.

4. Adjust Consistency: Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. For cookie decorating, you’ll want a slightly thicker consistency that holds its shape but is still spreadable.

5. Coloring: If desired, divide the frosting into small bowls and mix in food coloring to create different colors.

6. Decorate: Spread the frosting onto cookies with a knife or piping bag. Add sprinkles or candies as desired.

My Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 cups whole milk (or your preferred milk)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

• 8–10 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract for a festive twist

• Toppings: whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings

Instructions:

1. Heat Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream (if using) over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.

2. Add Chocolate: Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

3. Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in the sugar and continue stirring until dissolved. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract. If using peppermint extract, add it now and stir well.

4. Serve: Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings.

This rich, creamy hot chocolate, paired with almond frosting for cookie decorating, is the perfect recipe for creating your own holiday magic. Here’s to sweet memories and making new ones!