I had a day off from work earlier this week and for some strange reason I had a craving for cutout cookies that my Grandmother used to make. I'm not sure why since she's been gone for a long time (since 1991). Fortunately I have her cookbook so I pulled it out and looked for the recipe. I found two versions stuck in the pages (the only difference was the amount of flour) and I had to call my Mom and ask her if that was the right recipe. She confirmed that the name of the cookie was right but she didn't know what version my Grandmother used. I put the recipe together and although I didn't have any cookie cutters (and didn't take the time to figure out what frosting recipe she used) the taste was perfect and it brought me back to my childhood. Every Christmas my Grandmother used to make these cookies and have them stacked up in tins in her house. I remember going to her house and opening up the tins so I could devour the cookies. I don't know why I haven't made them before but it feels good to get back to the tradition. I'm going to buy some cookie cutters and figure out her frosting recipe for next year. I'm also going to copy the recipe and pass it on to my brothers and nieces & nephew. So what holiday foods or traditions bring you back to your childhood?