Merry Christmas
From my little corner of the world to yours, I want to wish you a very merry, peaceful, joy-filled Christmas.
Thank you for being here. For creating a supportive, hilarious, inspiring, wonderful community that has surpassed anything I could have ever dreamed of when I started this blog ten years ago.
I was just commenting to Brian the other night that there’s no way on earth I’d still be blogging if it wasn’t for the “best readers on the planet.” And I really mean that.
I love all of your guts so much. I feel like we are friends in real life (is that weird? do I need to get a life?).
As one who knows how busy (and overwhelming) life can get at times, I appreciate that you check in, that you make the recipes, that you comment and let me know your experience, that you tell me funny things (I legit have snorted water out of my nose reading some of your comments; lesson learned: don’t drink water while blogging), that you email me your grandma’s aunt’s cousin’s favorite recipe, that you support me in all my crazy recipe endeavors, that you are here (some of you are still here after years and years and years).
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And if you’ll allow me a moment to get even more sentimental, I have to express the gratitude I feel this holiday season as I reflect on the birth of that sweet Christ child so many years ago. I have such a deep and immense gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for all that His life and sacrifice mean to me.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, I do in my life would matter if it weren’t for Him! The fact that He loves me unconditionally and shows me through 1,000 tender mercies every single day is hard to comprehend (and sometimes acknowledge and accept). But I am so grateful that His love centers me, motivates me, changes me.
From the bottom of my heart (and in the most non-cliche way possible), again, I truly hope that each of you have a Merry Christmas.
I’ll be taking a few weeks off from posting new content (something I rarely do) to spend time with my family, travel to the mountains for a bit, and hopefully come back refreshed, well-read, well-fed, and ready to dive into 2018!
I can’t wait to start a new year with all of you filled with killer new recipes (and a few fun surprises!).
I love both of the family pics you posted! The facial expressions in the 2nd picture are great and the 1st picture is the beautiful end result.
As to you, your recipes, blog, etc., you are near and dear to so many people’s hearts as is shown by the comments posted. We love your guts right back.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a great trip with your family as you take some well-deserved time-off from blogging. You have no shortage of recipes to try out there, so it’ll be a good time to try some in my stack that have been on the back burner.
Merry Christmas and God bless you!
Merry Christmas, Lori!
Merry Christmas, Mel! May you and your beautiful family have a wonderful time together of rest, refreshment, time with our Lord and the making of beautiful family memories. We will be doing the same as we rejoice along with so many others that our savior came and gave everything for us! He has blessed our lives with you as well! It is wonderful to call you a “sister” and “friend” even if it’s long distance:).
I hope you have the merriest of holidays, Laurie! Thanks for your sweet words.
Mel, your blog is a place of His Peace, Love and Joy in a world where the opposite sometimes seem to get more attention. I love coming here even when I don’t need a recipe but I just need some of that Peace.
Your family – beautiful! And all of our happy hearts shine even in the “Are you done yet?” photo :).
A very happy and blessed Christmas and 2018 to you and your family and I hope you enjoy the downtime!
All of YOUR happy hearts…
Thank you, Liz! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, Mel. I’m pretty sure I’m only still cooking for my family because of the steady encouragement and inspiration you give me every week. I’m glad it’s okay with you that I call you “my friend Mel”!! 🙂 Blessings to you and your family and may you thoroughly enjoy this very well-deserved rest! Xoxo
Haha, yes! You can call me that. 🙂 It makes me feel ok that I don’t have many IRL friends…I’m ok with these sweet virtual friendships. Merry Christmas!
I’m a never-commenter, but I’ll add to the chorus of admirers who cook from your blog nearly daily. Your recipes never let me down. And, I love your gleeful exuberance. It’s contagious in the best way.
Thank you, Carolyn!! I love never-commenters and frequent-commenters alike. Thanks for being here!
Yours is my favorite blog in the world! Thanks for all you do for us! You deserve the very best this year has to bring.
So do you, Moriah!
I am so grateful for you! I do not come from a family of cooks and we always lived so far away from grandparents, aunts and uncles. Your blog has consistently made me feel like you have set me a plate at your table and sent me home with a recipe card to add to my family favorites. I am a confident and competent cook thanks to you.
Ah, Bryn, thank you!
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
Merry Christmas, Ellen!
Merry Christmas Mel! Enjoy the peace, love and special time with family. Thank you for sharing your talents. I now refer to you as ” my girl” when asked about a recipe. I am looking forward to what you will be sharing with us in the New Year!
I’m so glad to be “your girl” Reenie! 🙂
Merry Christmas to you too! I don’t post often but I have been following your blog for years. I speak of you like a good friend. “Where’d this recipe come from?” Me: “Oh, I got it from Mel,” as if everyone I know should know you (most of them do by now because every recipe I bring places is from you). Thank you for being open about your faith. That makes me love you and your blog even more knowing that you are a sweet sister in Christ. I hope you enjoy your family time and I look forward to what you have for us in the new year! God bless you and your family!
Love you right back, Emily! Thanks for your sweet words. And Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you, Mel! Your blog is truly a lifesaver for me when it comes to cooking and I’m so grateful you have kept at it all these years. Enjoy your holiday and time with your family and I’m excited to see you back next year with more great recipes! 🙂
Thank you, Launi! I hope you have amazing holidays as well!
Merry Christmas to you as well! I hope your time away is truly refreshing & joy-filled. Thank you for continuing to blog & for just being YOU!
Thank you, Nancy!
Merry, Merry Christmas, sweet Mel! All my love right back to you! Amen to the previous and incomprehensible gift of our Savior- and for all His birth, life, death, Atonement, and Resurrection mean to us. You are in our hearts now and always. Enjoy the time with your family and thank you again for EVERYTHING!!!
Ack- autocorrect- that was supposed to say “precious.” 🙂
Love you, Amy! Thank you!
Merry Christmas to you, Mel! I’m ever so grateful for your website and your talents!
Thanks so much, Katherine!
Merry Christmas to you Mel and to all other followers of Mel. I have followed you for years. I found more confidence as a cook/baker because of your tried and true recipes. I’m not a person who does much social media. However, I HAVE to check my favorite cooking blogs daily!!
I am also a follower of Jesus Christ. I hope He blesses all of you this Christmas season. I enjoy you all, and also love your guts!
Nichole from Idaho
Thank you, Nichole! I actually admire you for staying away from social media – thanks for taking the time to check in when you can!
It may not be Thanksgiving, but I am thankful for you, your blog, your vulnerability, and your honesty. Your words and recipes have challenged me in life and in the kitchen. Thank YOU for all you do. I, along with many others, love YOUR guts. Keep up the awesome and excellent work. Excited for new challenges and surprises in 2018!
Thanks, Betsy – loved this and appreciate your words so much.
Oh, Mel, you’re just the best. Of course we are real friends! You have saved my dinner, my gift giving, my sanity more times than I can count. That’s what real friends do! I really appreciate all you do for us on this blog. I’m so happy for you to get some time off with your family, enjoy! May the peace of the Christ child bring you rest and joy and love this season. And may your 2018 be over flowing with blessings.
Same to you, Melanie! Thanks for being here and for being just the type of friend I need. 🙂
Have the merriest of Christmases! You are truly the best and I love how authentic you are on here. You are by far my fave food stop. Enjoy the break!
Thanks, Amy!
You are the best, Mel! Thanks for sharing your heart. My sisters in law and I refer to you on a first name basis so I would say we’re friends in real life! 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Merry Christmas, Mady!
Merry Christmas to you! I’m happy to hear that you are taking time off to spend with your family. I appreciate all the recipes you have posted and I make them often. You are my favorite food blogger and I feel like we would be friends in real life.
I’m excited for the next little while, too, Bridget! I love blogging…but I need a little refresh time. Merry Christmas!
Beautiful mel!!! Thanks for all the work. I don’t follow any other cooking blogs bc no need! Glad my sister in law told me about you probably ten years ago, well, early in at least! Enjoy the mountains and merry Christmas!
Love you like crazy, Heather! Thanks for sticking around. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and your family and thanks for sharing so many recipes that become my favorites!
Thank YOU, Laurie!
Thank you so much for all you do Mel! I seriously make one of your recipes almost daily! (today we are making your soft egg nog cookies for cookies plates–that is if I don’t eat them all….)Hope you enjoy a well deserved break with your family!! You really are a rock star! Love your comments on our Savior! So true! He is the reason for the season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours and here is to a new year with more great recipes from you to try!!!
Haha, good luck with the self-control around those cookies, Jen! Merry, merry Christmas!
❤️❤️❤️ we’re totally real life friends . Love you Mel! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!!!
I agree!! Someday we’ll actually MEET in real life, too! 🙂
Merry Christmas friend! Our family uses SO many of your recipes and they really think I’m a good cook. I keep trying to tell them that it’s the amazing recipes, not me. Safe travels to your family this holiday! Thanks again for sharing your of cooking and all of your amazing recipes!
Kristi! So fun to see your comment here. Thanks for checking in…love and miss you, friend.
Merry Christmas. Thanks for posting your recipes….you are literally teaching me to cook and move on from heating hot dogs and chicken nuggets. Seriously. …thank you!#
Haha, you are so cute, Heidi! I’m still trying to get my husband to move on from hot dogs. #workinprogress
Have a wonderful Merry Christmas, and a well deserved break, Mel! Your site is one of my favorites and one I seek out often when searching for certain recipes. Check in on Instagram if you can and let us know how you’re doing!
I will do that, Marie (assuming I have internet access, which, honestly, part of me hopes I don’t!). Merry Christmas!
You will be with us as we cook and eat many of your recipes: cranberry bliss bars, lasagna, broccoli soup. We should all take a break and just enjoy family, food, board games, and conversations. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Thanks, Sheila – Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy every minute.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mel! Enjoy your time off. And thank you for all the wonderful recipes you share with us all year long. I have never, ever had a recipe fail when using one of yours and I have tried many of them and have so many more on my list to try — I just need more time!
Blessings to you and yours.
That makes me so happy to hear, Beverly. Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Mel! So glad you are taking some time with your family for the holidays. Thank you for everything you do!
Thank YOU, Kathleen!
Merry Christmas Mel! I’ve been making your recipes for years and my family has loved them all! So thankful for all you do here in this great community. Enjoy your time with family and friends during a much deserved break!
Merry Christmas, Susan – thank you so much! Means so much to me that you’ve been loving the recipes for years. Best gift ever!
Merry Christmas Mel,I have been making recipes from your site for years and have never been disappointed.
Thank you, Christine! Merry Christmas!
Dear Mel,
I am so grateful for having found your website this year. Saved my life hundreds of time and we enjoyed all the meals I have tried from your blog. I am just about to make some cheesy zucchini bites for my little boy, I should have known this recipe by heart now (I made it so so many times as a snack for journeys, absolute winner).
I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and wonderful New Year.
Thank you, Barbara! It’s amazing how many recipes I’ve committed to memory when I can’t even keep my kids’ names straight. Haha. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Same to you, Kelly!
Merry Christmas! I am new to your blog … well, I’ve been reading for about a month or so. I have to say I am just loving your recipes (as is my family!) and reading your blog! I even purchased a couple of items from your favorites list for my daughter and brother and I am SO pleased. Wishing you have a wonderful relaxing time with your family this Christmas. Looking forward to checking back after the holidays 🙂
I’m so excited you found your way here and that you are loving it so far, Pam. That means a lot to me! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from VA Mel! The kids are getting big – obviously I feel like I know you all! You are absolutely my favorite blogger and your site is the first place I go when I need a recipe for something. Hope you have a great holiday and enjoy your time off!
Oh, thank you so much, Angela! I hope you have a wonderful few days of holiday celebration, too!
Merry Christmas from a long-time reader and un-commenter. Everytime someone raves about a dish I bring, the answer always includes “Mel’s KC never lets me down”!
Haha, uncommenters are welcome here, too! 🙂 Thanks for the kindness today. Merry Christmas, Ruth!
Merry Christmas to you too, Mel! Your family is lovely and your message is perfect. You are still the only food blogger that I follow, and I use your recipes all the time. I logged on this morning to make my Christmas menu/grocery list! Enjoy your time off and God’s blessings to you all.
Thank you so much, Melanie! And Merry Christmas!
Enjoy your time off! And have a wonderful holiday season. Love your guts right back!
Thanks, Stacie – love seeing your comments. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! You have blessed all of our lives with not only your recipes, but your example and your testimony. Life is more rich and full because we have Savior who truly, like you said, loves us despite our weaknesses and imperfections and encourages us to be better.
Thanks, cute Lachelle. I appreciate YOU!
I added your website in my favorite and I never fail to check it on a daily basis and even sent your link to my relatives and friends.
Keep up the good work, by the way, do you have a book? Kindly let me know.
Why thank you, Victor! I don’t have a cookbook, but that may change in the next little while. I’ll definitely keep you posted!
Mel, thank you for all you do. I rarely comment, but am on your website weekly. Is it bad that we were talking about you at my large family gathering? Because my sister and sister in law do the same. “Have you tried Mel’s __________?” “Ooh, I tried _______ and it was great!” My daughter just said, “Can I see a picture of Mel?” We talk about you here like you are a long lost family member. You are celebrity status in these parts. Celebrating Him with you this Christmas! Merry Merry Christmas to you!
Haha, not bad at all – super flattering and humbling for me to know that! You are so sweet, and I appreciate your comment. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! Thank you for keeping my family well fed and happy. God Bless.
Thank you so much, Teresa – appreciate you and your comments throughout the years!
Merry Christmas Mel! Thanks for fabulous recipes that make me look like a kitchen rock star!
Thanks, Holly!
Aww….Mel, you are the best! I rarely comment, but I have to say that almost ALL of our favorite recipes that are on regular rotation have come from your blog. Thank you for all the tasty recipes and inspiration! May God bless you and your sweet family!
Thank you so much, Christine – happiest of holidays to you!
Darling Mel, you are an inspiration, a true foodie, that speaks to my foodie soul. You are always so upbeat and positive and I love your sunny disposition, and love, love, love that you love, love, love food, as much as I do. We women are amazing creatures, putting dinner on the table every-single-night, as well as everything else we do, you celebrate us, the girls in the front line, keeping the home fires burning and that dinner on the table! I wish you and your lovely family a joyous Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
Fi
Thank you so much, Fiona! I love seeing your comments pop up…you are a bright spot here! Merry, merry Christmas!
Beautiful family! And to think you once
lived in my little cold corner of the world.
Their isn’t a week that goes by that I’m not making a recipe of yours. We look after an older couple in our town and he loves when I bring over your brown bread.
Merry Christmas Mel! God has surely blessed you.
Val
Ah, thanks, Valerie! I love your service to that older couple…so sweet!
God bless you and your family. You are an inspiration! I don’t know how you do it all. A true super woman hero in my eyes!
Have a beautiful Christmas!
You are so sweet, Julianne – trust me, I’m no superwoman (says the mom whose cried herself to sleep a couple times this week due to 100% stress!), but this blog is a happy place for me, and I’m so grateful you are here.
Mel, thank you for all you do and for all the help you always provide us on an ongoing basis as we try your recipes out. You are the best blogger around!!! Wishing you a joyous, peaceful holiday season filled with beautiful moments and cherished memories. And a happy, healthy new year. Enjoy your time away!!!
That means so much to me, Teresa! I value your comments and feedback so much, you have no idea! Merry Christmas!
Just checking out your blog for my Christmas Eve menu and saw this beautiful picture. Your family is so adorable. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I use so many of your recipes, they never ever fail. Thanks Mel!!
Thank you so much, Cyndi! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve feast!