The holidays have always been sort of stressful for me, even growing up because my family is so large and divided. Now that I’m an adult and my kids go through the same sorts of stress, we find little ways to spread cheer throughout the holiday season to make the whole month festive. A huge thank you to Betty Crocker for sponsoring this post and helping me #SpreadCheer this holiday season!
How to Spread Cheer
If you’ve ever been Boo’d on Halloween then you’ll quickly understand how this #SpreadCheer method works.
First, you get your kids and head on over to Dollar General to gather your supplies. (Don’t forget your coupon!)
Pick up a cute basket or box, Betty Crocker cookie mix (the 1.5oz bags make the perfect amount of cookies), and your choice of cookie decorations. We chose to use a Betty Crocker whipped vanilla frosting and sprinkles.
Download and print these cute and fun printables. You’ll need the first one for the gift tags, the second one to design your cookies, and the third one to leave with your basket.
Free Holiday Printables
Now for the fun part: get in the kitchen and get cooking! Let the kids get their hands messy with dough and frosting. Play your favorite holiday music to make sure you’ve got just the right ambience.
Once your cookies are baked to perfection, let them cool and then decorate. This is my kids’ favorite part of the whole process. We put some of ours into small, clear baggies to make sure they stayed looking nice.
Once all the cookies are dressed, assemble your basket. Use the printable tags and arrange to your preference.
Pick a neighbor, and either ‘knock knock ditch’ your basket at their front door leaving the #SpreadCheer instructions taped to their door, or deliver it directly. We chose to stick around so we could see their smiling faces when we dropped off our goody basket.
The goal is to get them in the mood to spread cheer too! For just a few dollars in supplies/ingredients, and some fun in the kitchen, you can make spreading cheer contagious in your whole community.
Spread cheer to neighbors, local shelters, fire departments, police stations, family, friends, small businesses, animal rescues, and anywhere you can think of. Who in your neighborhood could use a positive gesture around the holidays?
Christmas Cookie Recipes to Try:
- Christmas shortbread cookies with sprinkles
- Red velvet crinkle cookies recipe
- Mint chocolate chip Grinch cookies
How to Spread Cheer and Encourage Others
- Make a #SpreadCheer basket and take a photo of the delivery.
- Share it on social media with the hashtag #SpreadCheer and nominate 2 friends by tagging them to #SpreadCheer in their neighborhood.
- Make sure they either tag you in their post or link their #SpreadCheer post!
Who will you nominate to spread cheer?
vickie couturier says
my daughter and I love baking with the boys,,they usually eat it right out of the oven,but we have made some for some ppl that we know would love them as a gift
Karen says
We will spread cheer to our friends and family. Thanks.
Lisa O'Driscoll says
This looks like so much fun and I love the wreath cookies that your daughter made!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
What a nice thing to do! I would love to spread a little cheer to my next door neighbor who recently lost his wife.
Jeanette says
We are in the process of doing this for our neighbors who are in the military! I can’t wait to give it to them. It is SO much fun to give to others.
Victoria Sconion says
This is an awesome way to spread the cheer in the neighborhood. I love swapping dishes and baked goods with my neighbors and we make sure to include the elders.
Stacie says
What a great idea. This is sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Aimee Smith says
I love doing projects like this with my kids! Really brings the spirit of the season in!
Danielle says
This is a great idea. The best part is that it’s something so simple, but makes a big difference.
Jeanine says
This is such a wonderful idea. I’m not sure how we will spread cheer. I do know if I can swing it like planned I want to make up some baskets and take them to the YWCA close to my house!
Vera Sweeney says
What a fun idea! I love using Betty Crocker mixes for the holidays they make desserts so much easier!
Brett Martin says
I would nominate a good friend of mine. She is a single mom of 3 and one of them has special needs. She is a rock star!
Tammi Roy says
This is a great idea to spread cheer. I love to bake and it would be fun to make a bunch of cookies for neighbors.
Elizabeth Lampman says
This is a great tradition. Cookies are a great way to spread some cheer around. It is great to get the kids involved.
Liz Mays says
Aww how sweet of you guys! This is an awesome way to spread cheer with the kids.
Ann Bacciaglia says
We like to help out at the local food bank each month to give back to our community. This is a great tradition to start with the family. I love to see people smile.
Jennifer says
very cool. I love that you got you daughter involved! Teaching them to spread cheer and happiness at a young age is super important.
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
How wonderful that you and your daughter baked together. And then you gave your treats away to spread some holiday cheer.
OurFamilyWorld says
I’m just completing my baking baking supplies, then we’ll start baking cookies to give to friends and neighbors.
Clo Nevaeh says
This is super cute. I love surprising our neighbors and mailman with cookies and other holiday snacks.
Crystal says
Our next door neighbor is a sweet, older woman who lives without a ton of family nearby. This would be a lovely way to spread some cheer to her. Love it!
Amy Desrosiers says
I love that your kids spread cheer with such cute cookies! These make wonderful gifts for neighbors!
Krystal says
We are SO ready for the holidays this year. We just made sugar cookies today and are ready to gift them!
Jennifer Hill says
Plan on doing this for Christmas
sohamolina says
I will make a cookie plate for the neighbors.
colleen maul says
Ok Im doing this. This is a great idea. #SpreadCheer basket
Cinella says
What a great idea! We have been spreading cheer! This would be fun to do with my girls! Thanks for the inspiration!
Jennifer says
So glad to hear it! We need more people spreading cheer!!! 🙂
Jane Ritz says
My grandson wants to make the cookies on the December Betty Crocker calendar for church. He’s 10 I was amazed. We ARE going to make the cookies. With boys this is the cruticial age.
evans s says
My kids will be spreading cheer.
chau says
that’s a good idea to give it to friend ..
Susan Smith says
I would love to spread a little cheer to my neighbor who recently lost her husband.