Thanks for the comments. Christmas cookies are my passion and I love adding new things to recipes. I totally agree with you - add nuts, cinnamon --- mmmm -- whatever suits your mood.
I made a zucchini blueberry cake with lemon cream cheese frosting for Mother's Day yesterday. My family liked it but everyone was mad I didn't bring any brownies - another great standard that is easy to make your own by adding something interesting like espresso or chocolate liquor. I'll post my easy peasy sure to please brownie recipe next.
And thanks again for your post