Festive Favorites

Holly jolly greetings, dear readers! I write this wrapped in a holiday sweater, veins coursing with coffee and eggnog (unfortunately unspiked). I don't think it gets more festive than this.

The season is in full swing over here - dare I say it, seven more days until christmas (extra large gulp of coff-nog going down the shoot). The count so far for me: 36 days of Christmas music, 22 days of obsessively—and indecisively—browsing internet gift deals, 18 days of decked halls (and a brand new Christmas tree!), 14 days since the first batch of wassail, 10 dozen home-made tamales (it was a group effort), about 9 yuletide gatherings, at least 7 pounds later, 4 dozen Christmas cookies, two lovebirds enjoying "the most wonderful time of year" engaged, and a partridge in a pear tree?

With a week until Christmas, and a shocking amount of holiday parties and cookie exchanges packed in the short seven days we have left, I've decided to put together an alternative Christmas list-complete with all things boozey, baked, and sure to please if you are still scouring All Recipes for the perfect potluck item. Here are a few of Bethie Crocker's holiday picks—

If you want your home to smell seasonal, whip up this easy gingerbread recipe. Pairs perfectly with a cup of coff-nog.

Need to bust out something simple, but tasty for your holiday potluck? Try these Sweet N Spicy Cranberry Christmas meatballs. It's a dump-in-your-crockpot-and-go recipe that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. I've made it twice in two weeks. I opted for buying a 32 oz bag of frozen meatballs and they were still delicious.

Craving a tasty spiced beverage, but don't want the hassle? Try Trader Joe's Winter Wassail. It's tasty and pre-made. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and perhaps some rum to up your game. A little something to keep you warm while looking at Christmas lights.

Another boozy beverage that is visually stunning, this Christmas sangria. Thank you Pinterest. Opt for a non-alcoholic cocktail by using subtracting the wine and adding more of the white grape juice and club soda.

Want a winning recipe for your cookie swap? Try this eggnog cookie recipe two ways. It has all the right flavors and makes your house smell amazing.

Add this eggnog glaze to take it up a notch.

Feeling like Santa Clause? Check out Cassey Ho's Snowbunny Blast. It's simple and can be done in the comforts of home, between bites of pecan pie and peanut butter balls...

Or these cookies. Easily the best peanut butter cookie I have ever had. And that says a lot coming from a girl that can easily inhale a Costco-sized peanut butter jar.

Anyone up for a baking challenge? For the love of god make these peppermint macaroons.

[Jessica Merchant is a goddness]

Have some holiday wins to add to the list? Share the love below. The more, the merrier!