For Nora Messing and her circle of friends, the holidays are about more than just delicious treats. For the past 20 years, they’ve gathered around a table brimming with the aromas of sugar and spice to celebrate their annual holiday cookie swap, a tradition that has grown into a cherished ritual of connection and giving back.
“Our cookie swap started as a simple way to share recipes and indulge in holiday sweets,” Messing explained. “But over the years, it’s become so much more than that. It’s a celebration of friendship and a way for us to spread joy beyond our little group.”
The cookie swap, which began as a small gathering, has evolved to include friends, family and new faces over the years. Participants bring their favorite holiday treats, from classic sugar cookies to inventive, modern recipes. But for Messing and her group, the event isn’t just about exchanging cookies. It’s a tradition rooted in generosity.
“We’ve supported Susannah’s House, brought cookies to nursing homes and shared them with seniors in the Jewish community,” Messing shared. “Even in our workplaces, we’ve found ways to use this tradition to spread holiday cheer.”
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the cookie swap, and it’s a milestone Messing reflects on with gratitude. She emphasized how the event has strengthened bonds among friends and family, bringing countless memories to the table year after year.
“The power of food, friendship and tradition is incredible,” she said. “It reminds us to cherish the time we have with loved ones and to look for ways to give back, even in small, but meaningful ways.”
Messing hopes their story will inspire others to create their own holiday traditions—ones that foster connection and kindness. “Whether it’s a cookie swap or something entirely different, the important part is finding a way to come together and make those moments count,” she added.
As the group celebrates this special milestone, they’ll continue sharing cookies, stories and their passion for giving back. After all, the sweetness of the season isn’t just in the treats—it’s in the love and care they share with those around them.