Listening to my 11- to 17-year-old kids discuss how much better they liked it when Santa came to town, I remember those childhood days. Are holidays more magical when someone else is doing all the baking, decorating and surprising? Then again, there is so much joy in giving, you could see it as a fair trade, the change from child to parent, from guest to hostess. It certainly teaches you to appreciate all the work parents and hosts do during the holidays, to make them special for everyone.

These thoughts naturally lead me to issue a heartfelt “Thank You!” to all the tearoom owners and chefs that have been serving holiday teas, starting back in November, many offered into January. (Pssst, check out our U.S. afternoon tea directories to find an afternoon tea wherever your holiday travels take you). We love seeing the creative tea trays coming out of restaurant and home kitchens alike, and recognize all the planning and work that goes into these afternoon tea presentations. Even adult guests feel that Christmas magic when they sit down to a holiday tea.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our Christmas Tea Party Guide. While the family is together and the house is decorated for the holidays, you don’t necessarily have to host a full afternoon tea. You could pick and choose two or three recipes and serve them with a steaming pot of tea to invite the group to enjoy restful conversation, as a break from the holiday busy-ness. However you celebrate the holidays, we hope you have a healthy, happy season, full of memory-making, joy and peace.
