Christmas Cookies: Hidden Benefits in Holiday Tradition
Abigail Hassert, MS, OTR/L
Baking cookies is an exciting and meaningful Christmas tradition among families all over the world. Baking Christmas cookies allows you and your family to not only spread Christmas cheer, prepare (and anticipate!) the holidays, but also make memories that last a lifetime. However, did you know that baking Christmas cookies can have a significant positive impact on your child’s development?
Benefits of Baking
There are so many ways that baking can benefit your child! These are just some of the ways that different aspects of baking can influence childhood development:
- Following step-by-step recipes can assist with activity sequencing, planning, and following instructions (all components of executive functioning skills).
- Rolling out cookie dough can assist with coordination between each arm.
- Standing at the counter while completing activities can increase balance and trunk control.
- Applying icing, sprinkles, and other decorations can assist with hand strengthening, fine motor precision, visual motor skills, and pressure modulation (ability to determine how hard/soft touch needs to be).
- Mixing dough with hands can provide tactile sensory input.
- Making mistakes such as spilling, burning, or forgetting an ingredient can assist in the ability to regulate emotions and problem solve.
- Being in the kitchen can promote safety awareness around sharp, hot, and other dangerous objects.
- Baking with others can promote appropriate and positive social interactions.
The next time your family decides to bake Christmas (or any time of the year) cookies, we encourage you to remember these benefits and allow your child to participate. Not only will you make precious holiday memories, but you will be contributing to the development of your kiddo!
Click here for the recipe to the delicious cookies pictured above. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your friends at Hogg Therapy Pediatrics!
![We’ve loved seeing your stories roll in over the past couple weeks and wanted to share one of our own, thanks to therapists Lauren & Maya and their friend Tiffany. ❤️
Last week, OT Ms. Lauren and ST Ms. Maya accompanied Tiffany on a HUGE adventure, attending the Special Needs Camp of Kentucky for activities, friendship, and growth ? Headquartered in Bath County, SNCKI is free to attend, with nearly 100 campers enrolled this year! Ms. Lauren shared her thoughts with the HTP team when she got home: “The other campers welcomed [Tiffany] with open arms, and she made so many new friends…A space where 76 teens/adults with disabilities of all kinds were free to just be them and make those connections with each other while having tons of fun. We have had moments that were trickier to navigate, but we did it together.”
One of the nights was family and community night, featuring a group dance and a talent showcase. ?Lauren said, “The amount of love and support in the gym was out of this world. For her mom to see that, to know that we’ve got her girl no matter what, means more than any treatment code or note I could ever write. She is already asking when she gets to come back…and even told her mom to ‘buy a new house at camp’? If you are not already, follow Special Needs Connections of Kentucky, Inc on facebook. They are doing such AMAZING things for our community here and deserve so much support.” ? We couldn’t agree more!
Therapy isn’t about treatment codes, billable hours, documentation, or recertification. It’s about the meaningful moments and the love we pour into these children every single day. This is why Hogg Therapy exists—to give every child the opportunity to experience a meaningful, joyful life. ✨ Thank you, Lauren and Maya for your support both in and outside of the clinic and for sharing this story! ?](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/747807719_18212073508337241_9129116297997701917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=tCWn73_5rtkQ7kNvwH3v3Fu&_nc_oc=AdqkXs1j4ZibIrHGmF4E8N_h4pPTqd7alGUClKuAZJPwzyeBHeyUR_ZcrYg_4cVwuDU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vwJTdBoB7zrAvRerPWqvQg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQF41Zl_n7k3boMLx0v6KZmFef6jQAsCYQB6Euk0DRgcmg9VQYcOtcoy1K_JwgFjdBtvW-XhcKKh5A&oh=00_AQH6nHwwcQx67Qf_5CXNZryVofNO1fXGJXoa4k0tKyf7rA&oe=6A715C8A)
![We’re sharing an occupational therapy success story from OT Mrs. Abby today! ? Meet Grayson! When he first started occupational therapy, everyday life felt hard. He was experiencing significant picky eating, struggled with daily routines and transitions, and had a difficult time managing big emotions.
Since then, Grayson has put in so much hard work. Through OT, he has built confidence, strengthened his self-regulation skills, and learned to take on new and challenging tasks with courage. Every small step has added up to something truly amazing! One of the biggest reasons for Grayson’s success has been the incredible partnership with his parents. They fully embraced therapy beyond the clinic by consistently practicing strategies at home through his Home Exercise Program (HEP). Their dedication, encouragement, and willingness to try new approaches have made all the difference.
Today, Grayson is trying new foods every week, navigating daily routines with greater independence, and enjoying more successful, joyful moments with his family. His growth is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a determined child, committed caregivers, and a supportive therapy team work together.
?Congratulations, Grayson! We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we’re celebrating your amazing parents, too. Your hard work, perseverance, and teamwork are inspiring! ?
[This story & all photos shared with parent permission ??] #occupationaltherapy #hoggtherapypediatrics #hoggtherapy #feedingtherapy](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/742695277_18211398901337241_3568386461214310976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=ZuMQwTXiLRAQ7kNvwHysT2v&_nc_oc=AdrgLD2KE3BZ_Tgj_jypYgv50BwgBbMAwW3P8YcFpBKy6YBOzq7lF46_XJAjv4qroGc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vwJTdBoB7zrAvRerPWqvQg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEqtbpOGUNepGhevIyk4fRBIrm8P_FrSrFes5-iwkMuOa6YMRrnWm_0pORbcUjw4pPvl28IGG1m5w&oh=00_AQF1x62b40JsOzrFUraP5eRmixwm7vU9IHo4ZICEVQCZtw&oe=6A71734E)
