It’s hard to believe the year is almost over and 2009 is just around the corner. One minute we were soaking up long, hot summer days and the next Christmas had arrived and gone. Since the holiday season just wrapped up, we thought we’d share a look at what we received this year and how we’ve been enjoying it all.
My parents surprised us with a complete 10-piece set of Cuisinart Greenware cookware. Sherry had already given me an oversized skillet for my birthday back in November, and we loved its recycled stainless steel handles and the Ceramica nonstick surface—an eco-friendlier option that avoids petroleum-based PTFE and PFOA. The set gives us the convenience of nonstick cooking without the worry about harmful fumes, and we’re excited to have everything we need for sautéing, simmering, and steaming.
Many of our gifts followed a cooking theme. Every year our family invents a playful slogan to steer gift ideas, and this year’s motto—“Hey good lookin’, whatcha got cookin’?”—inspired a wave of food- and kitchen-focused presents. Sherry even found a tiered spice rack for me, which is perfect now that I’ve been cooking more often (I’m the Rachael Ray in training around here). As my spice collection has grown—coriander, thyme, rosemary, and more—I needed better organization. The new rack gives me quick access to all the seasonings I use most, which makes weeknight cooking faster and more enjoyable.
Sherry also gave me a round capiz frame from Anthropologie and tucked inside a photo from our first wedding anniversary cupcake-feeding celebration. It complements the other capiz frames in our bedroom and felt like a sweet, thoughtful gift. In return I picked up a clean white cylinder vase from West Elm and made a simple garland of twelve paper flowers to represent a promise: a fresh bouquet of real flowers each month for a year. We love bringing the outdoors in, and Sherry adores fresh blooms—having a small bouquet each month will add color and life to our home without costing much, since a bunch of tulips or daffodils at places like Trader Joe’s or warehouse stores can be very affordable.
To go with the vase, I also picked out a small ceramic squirrel figurine from West Elm to add to Sherry’s white animal collection—she already has a ceramic dog, a porcelain pony, and a metal bull. The squirrel was inexpensive but instantly charming and added to her joyful little display. Between the vase, the monthly bouquet idea, and the squirrel, she was genuinely touched.
We received some amusing kitchen-themed items from a cousin who also embraced our yearly slogan. There were novelty party cups shaped like animal snouts and beaks, plus an ice tray called “Frozen Smiles” that makes ice cubes in the shape of teeth—perfect for icy drinks with a sense of humor.
Another quirky gift was a glass measuring cup that lists not only cups and ounces but also odd little facts—like the estimated volume of cells the human body sheds each day or how much honey a bee makes. It’s a functional kitchen tool with a side of trivia, which made us laugh and added a playful touch to our gadgets.
We also received some personalized Burger-themed items—a custom mug, a deck of playing cards, and even a small white snowflake ornament—from my brother-in-law. He’s a cat person but appreciates our affection for animal-themed things and picked fun, sentimental items that suit our tastes.
My godmother sent a lime-green reindeer pillow and throw from Coldwater Creek that look great with the lime headboard in our guest room. The bright color and festive design give the space an instant seasonal lift.
All in all, Santa treated us well this year. We enjoyed thoughtful, useful, and often amusing gifts—many of them centered on the kitchen and home. What about you? Did you get any favorites this season? We’d love to hear what made you smile.
Note: The skillet mentioned earlier is an item we own and enjoy.