Christmas Morning Tradition

I believe traditions are so important in a family. They are what make your family unique and what makes holidays and special days memorable. Christmas seems to offer an especially great opportunity to host family traditions. As a child, one of our traditions was that we opened our gifts on Christmas Eve. We usually got pajamas or night gowns and robes that we opened early so we could wear them to bed that night. Traditions don't have to be major things--they are just what makes the holiday special for your family.
One of the things we always did in our family was have a special breakfast on Christmas morning. It always included Orange Julius, some type of breakfast casserole, and some type of sweet bread. Christmas breakfast was something we all looked forward to and it tided us over until our Christmas dinner which was usually served around 2:00 in the afternoon.

This year one of my daughters in law offered to make breakfast for us. (What a treat!) A tradition in her family that her mother started was cooking sausage with apples and serving it with biscuits. Emily has continued this tradition for her and Jared during the three years they have been married. I love that they are making the holidays special in their own way.

I offered to help out and she asked that I make the Orange Julius and coffee. I also plan to make sticky buns to add to the meal. They are so good, but a little work. If you want an easier recipe for a sweet addition to breakfast, I would suggest these cinnamon rolls. They are so easy and can be made in about 15 minutes plus baking time.

If you have a tradition in your family, I encourage you to keep it up. If not, why not start one this year?

Cinnamon Rolls

1 package crescent rolls
soft margarine
sugar
cinnamon
raisins and nuts (optional)
1 c. confectionery sugar
milk

Remove rolls from package and leave two sections of four rolls connected. Set one section of 4 aside. With long edge closest to you, lightly press the seams together to seal. Spread rolls with soft margarine, sprinkle generously with cinnamon. Sprinkle sugar, nuts and raisins over cinnamon. Beginning on the end closest to you, roll tightly. Cut into 1 1/2" pieces and place cut side up on small pan (I use the Pampered Chef mini bar pan). Proceed with the other section of crescent rolls. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Make a confectionery sugar glaze by stirring enough milk into sugar to make a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately. These warm up nicely in the microwave.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.