Every Christmas Eve, since I was four, my family has gathered in the kitchen and we make cinnamon rolls. The tradition began because my twin sister and I loved watching the Food Network channel and baking. Due to our slight obsession, my mom purchased a Ree Drummond cookbook. During Christmas 2013, my family made her cinnamon roll recipe. The aroma immediately brought the feeling of a cozy Christmas morning. They were sticky, and each bite made my mouth water. The center of the roll is gooey and sweet, and the bottoms of the rolls have a caramelization from the cinnamon sugar mixture. They are messy to eat, but worth the sticky fingers. Ever since I was a little girl, the centers of the roll and the delicious maple frosting have always been the best parts of the dish. They were the highlight of Christmas morning for everyone in my family. The recipe itself made a ton, so we decided to share the indulgent goodies with our loved ones the following year. Now, every Christmas Eve, we spend our day prepping around one hundred cinnamon rolls, packaging them with a small handwritten note, and delivering them to our loved ones. Although my family’s tradition is popular nationwide, it feels uniquely special to me. It’s the only holiday ritual we consistently adhere to. Our cinnamon roll tradition is built on love, warmth, and the joy of giving. It’s a tradition that brings my family closer together and keeps our Christmas spirit alive.

– Presley Barnes

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