There truly is no place like home for the holidays, and what better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of year than in a brand-new home of your own! Here at Michael’s Homes, we believe that the magic of the season is not just in the twinkling lights and festive decorations, but also in the warmth and joy that comes from sharing this special time with loved ones. Winter is the perfect season to embark on the journey of creating new memories in your new home.
Imagine cozy evenings by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and watching the snowfall outside your windows, with your favorite Hallmark movie playing in the background. Your new home becomes the canvas on which you paint the memories of laughter, love, and joy. Cold weather outside only makes the warmth inside feel even more comforting.
The end of the year brings with it a unique opportunity to start fresh. As the world around you transforms into a winter wonderland, your new home awaits, ready to be filled with the spirit of the season. Contact us today for a list of move-in-ready homes!
In the spirit of family and traditions, we’d like to share some holiday favorites of our own!
Karla’s Meaningful Ornaments: Karla is a member of our real estate team and has been with us since 2018. Along with her husband, they raise their 15-year-old son Caden, in Smyrna. Every year, they purchase an ornament that reflects significance to Caden’s current interests. This year’s ornament captures his current interest – a gaming chair!
Susan’s Merry Mistletoe: Susan is another member of our real estate team. Born and raised in Woodbury, where her family still owns their family farm, they have a tradition to go out and shoot their own mistletoe out of their trees on the farm!
Jessica’s Jolly Pizza-Making: Jessica is our team’s Manager of Client Operations. On Christmas Eve, Jessica, her husband, and their 4 children craft personalized pizzas, each rolling out their own dough and getting creative with a variety of toppings. They finish the evening with games and the movie “Christmas Vacation”.
Robin’s Festive Brunch: Robin is our Administrative Assistant, and the first smiling face to greet you as you visit Michael’s Homes! She and her family gather on Christmas morning for a family brunch. She also makes frosted sugar cookies, that is from a cookbook her mom has had since 1965!
Ethel’s Frosted Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
1/4 cup shortening 1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 2-1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs, room temperature 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix butter, shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt, and blend into egg mixture.
- Divide dough into two discs. Cover each with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator & allow it to sit on the counter for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
- Roll out dough to 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured board.
- Cut into desired shapes and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Place on an ungreased baking sheet
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F, until cookies are a delicate golden color. Cool on a wire rack.
- If desired, decorate with icing. See recipe below.
Easy Cream Icing
Ingredients
1 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar 1 to 3 Tablespoons cream or milk
1/4 teaspoon salt food coloring or icing tints
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Blend sugar, salt, and vanilla.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cream/milk at a time until icing reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Add food coloring. Spread on cookies with an off-set spatula.
Happy Holidays!
