Every Friday I’ll indulge my order-crazed brain in a list of randomness. Welcome to my Friday Fives.

I’m late with this post. I had 50 pages left of a book that sucked me in hook, line and sinker. I couldn’t put it down to save the band. Book nerd problems. On top of speed-reading, I was making a pan of peppermint bark to take to an Egg Nog party tomorrow. I’m also making Buckeyes tomorrow–it’s a no-oven-required menu for me.

For someone that’s as obsessed with food and traditions as I am, it’s hard to not be “home” for both Thanksgiving and Christmas in the same year. My mom has been taunting texting me photos of her baking endeavors. All of my favorites: cinnamon rolls, chocolate peanut butter fudge. It has me hankering for all of the foods I love during the holidays. We’ve already decided to do a big “holiday” meal(s) for New Year’s, when we’ll be bowl-gamed out, and hopefully less stressed. I’m dreaming of Ebelskivers and cookies, Joe of Dr. Pepper Beef and brie. Mmmmm

Until then…here are my top five Christmas foods I’m missing this year….

5. Cranberry Orange Cookies

A cookie tray staple since I was a little girl, these babies are my aunt’s specialty. I’ve been making them the last few years and they remain one of my very favorites. They just taste like Christmas to me.

4. Baked Brie

I haven’t gone a year without having this and I don’t intend to start now. Usually this is a Thanksgiving treat, but Joe and I can throw back a brie wheel like no one’s business. I think it’ll be perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Brie is the new black-eyed peas.

3. Panini(s) and Soup

I love my Dad’s tradition of a build-your-own panini bar, along with homemade soups, for his Christmas dinner. We always dig in before listening to the Christmas story and exchanging gifts. Last year, though, for some reason we had a ridiculous amount of cheese side dishes. Two different types of queso, cheese balls with crackers…it felt like it was all we were eating, and that was fine by me. Cheese for President.

2. Cinnamon Rolls

Man, picking which food got #1 or #2 was really hard. I adore my momma’s “Sninny Rolls.” They are a Christmas breakfast/snack/dessert tradition that I love to make when I’m away from home. Luckily, I think she’s bringing me some to California so I’m spared the possibility that the altitude could mess them up. They are so decadent, so delicious, so comforting. I can’t imagine a Christmas without them. Ever.

1. Sugar Cookies

Typical. Sugar cookies are the quintessential Christmas cookie, am I right? Joe’s not a huge fan of them in general, which is sad, because I can’t justify making an entire batch for myself…too much time, too many cookies, and too many miles on the treadmill. But, I love them–specifically the recipe we’ve been making since I was a baby. Earlier this week, Joe and I had lunch at a local bakery and they had gorgeous, hand-decorated sugar cookies. I tried one…mmmm….nope. It didn’t come close to our recipe. And, even though I paid $3 for the sugary tree, it made me happy to know that nothing can beat Old Faithful.

What are your holiday treat traditions? Anyone up for a sugar cookie throwdown?