RecipesChristmas Lights Cookies What better way to brighten chilly winter days than with light-shaped cookies? My classic dough recipe has been a holiday tradition in our family for years. —Carolyn Moseley, Dayton, Ohio
RecipesChristmas Broccoli Salad What could be more Christmasy than a red and green dish? Plus, once people taste this crisp lightly dressed salad, I never have to worry about leftovers.
RecipesChristmas Candy Train Create a new holiday tradition with this kid-friendly candy train. Mix and match with cookies and Christmas candy you have on hand.
RecipesRoast Christmas Goose I have such fond childhood memories of Christmas dinner and my mother serving a golden brown Christmas goose. To flavor the meat, Mom stuffed the bird with peeled and quartered fruit that’s discarded after baking. —Rosemarie Force, Heathsville, Virginia
RecipesChristmas Cauliflower Casserole This creamy casserole is filled with tender cauliflower and topped with a sprinkling of crispy herb stuffing. It’s become one of our favorite Christmas casseroles that appeals to both kids and adults in our family. —Carol Rex, Ocala, Florida
RecipesCzech Christmas Bread My grandmother and aunt used to bake these lovely, traditional loaves every Christmas. I like my sliced toasted and buttered for breakfast.
RecipesGrandma’s Christmas Bread For as long as I can remember, this bread has been a part of my family’s traditional Christmas morning breakfast. I modified the recipe so I could make it in a bread machine. — Barb and Ray Schmeling, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
RecipesChristmas Cheese Balls Christmas at our house just wouldn’t be complete without these rich cheese balls. Friends and family ask for them every year-and I can make three gifts from just one recipe. —Margie Cadwell, Eastman, Georgia
RecipesWarm Christmas Punch Red Hot candies add rich color and spiciness to this festive punch, and the cranberry juice gives it a little tang. Our children always request it for December brunches. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
RecipesChristmas Crunch Candy Treat family and friends to a yummy brittle for the holidays. Made with cashews and Rice Krispies, it’s loaded with crispy-crunchy goodness. —Amanda McLemore, Maryville, Tennessee
RecipesChristmas Cranberry Punch Every year my grandma made her zingy punch for our Christmas Eve feast. —Helen Roland, Miami, Florida
RecipesMerry Christmas Tea This sweet-tart tea from our Test Kitchen has plenty of refreshing pomegranate flavor. Serve warm mugs to holiday guests coming in from the cold. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
RecipesChristmas Gingerbread Trifle Trifle desserts make eye-catching centerpieces. I garnish mine using candy canes and red and green M&M’s. Think of the merry possibilities as a kid-friendly project. —Cheryl Tompkins, Kingsville, Missouri
RecipesFrench Christmas Cookies These moist treats will have everyone reaching for more. Folks tell me they enjoy these French Christmas cookies. In fact, the batches I make ahead for my family and store in the freezer until Christmas seem to mysteriously disappear each year—even though the chocolate topping I put on before serving hasn’t been added yet! —Judy Wilder, Mankato, Minnesota
RecipesAfter-Christmas Empanadas Turn your leftovers into tasty empanadas using refrigerated pie pastry. We make these savory pastries and freeze them for a quick fix during the holidays. —Cheryl Marinaccio, Webster, New York
RecipesCutout Christmas Cookies These old-fashioned Christmas cookies have been a holiday tradition in my family for many years. It was a joy to make these cookies for my children, and now my little granddaughter will soon be enjoying them, too. —Carolyn Moseley, Dayton, Ohio