Watching Rachael Ray

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We started out the show with a few pictures from fans called “HOHONO!” that showed some criers on Santa’s lap. I love pictures like that! Then Robin McGraw, Dr. Phil’s wife, joined Rachael in the kitchen to show off some of her families traditions, including their favorite cookies that they only eat in December. Robin is one of those folks that has everything - the whole house, top to bottom - decorated by the time the family sits down to Thanksgiving Dinner. They even have Christmas China that they pull out and eat Thanksgiving Dinner on, then every dinner for the rest of December uses them.

That reminds me - I think I have some Christmas Dishes in the cupboard. At least, I used too. They might still be there. They’re not CHINA or anything, but they’re Christmassy. One of these years I’ll take ‘em down. Maybe.

Anyway, they made Robin’s Almond Cookies, a recipe that even Rachael felt she could accomplish. If, you know, she wanted too. Robin confesses that Christmas is the time she allows herself to eat anything she wants - including these cookies for breakfast on Christmas morning!

We also got to see the party Phil and Robin threw for Military families who had loved ones overseas - she turned her home into the North Pole, with snow everywhere and festive decorations, and also a satellite feed to connect them for a short time to their loved ones overseas.

Then came the big guns - Holiday pictures and traditions - pick a picture, get a frame after Christmas stuff goes on sale, wrap it and put it away with the tree and decorations for the next year. Other ideas - pick a new dated ornament every year. She’s also collected nutcrackers every year, with the intention of giving them to her kids when they got married. She kept them, instead, and buys the boys their own to start their collection now. A quick tip to get into the spirit? Inexpensive garland to hang around the front door, with ribbon and lights makes everything smell like Christmas!

We then got to take a look behind-the-scenes and meet Abby, a food stylist on the show, who showed us how to make her Venison Popovers, something she started making for the hunters in her family. As an extra, you can go here and get Abby’s other holiday favorite, Brasciole Meatballs!

Want that four-star spa feel, without leaving the comfort of your own home? Laurin Sydney gives some simple tips to help your guests - or yourselves! - feel pampered anytime! Lavender is used to help people relax and get to sleep. You can make your own sachet and slip it into your pillowcase to help you sleep better. And who knew the towel swans were so easy to do? Twist and fold, easy-peasy! And to avoid the little ray of sunshine that always creeps through the curtains? Office clips - clip the curtains closed, and sleep well! Finish up the glamereus style by giving your guests custom fortune cookies instead of mints on the pillow!

All of that, and what’s for dinner? A Farmer’s Stack Pancake Supper.

What are some of your traditions for the holidays? Drop a comment below here, and let us know!