I always knew it was Christmas time, not because of the weather or the music or the discounted prices at every department store, but because of the hours of work that it took myself and my grandmother to make her special cherry wink cookies. It was a holiday tradition, as many other things were. The greatest part of making cherry wink cookies with grandmommy was that she would always pretend not to notice when I mischievously stole a handful of cookie dough during the baking process. She would simply turn a blind eye (well, at least for a couple of good bites) and then go about her business with the baking. Grandmommy had such a kind soul, one that was shed upon everyone she met. Making these cookies with her was just one example of where her kindness began. Grandma and I never just made these cookies to keep for ourselves, no, no, no. Cherry winks were the symbolic cookie of the holiday season in which my grandmother would pack up in Christmas tins and give to handfuls of people. Grandmommy was all about giving, she was all about sharing her love and kindness to everyone she knew. These cookies, for me, will always be a symbol of that kindness and love my grandma shared, a symbol of the holiday season, and a tradition that I too hope to pass along to my grandchildren. I love you Grandmommy, and thank you for always sharing with me your kindness and your love.
