🍲 Comfort food or a healthy reset? These local picks hit both

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Every Christmas, we have one tradition that never gets skipped: cookie baking day.

It started small, but the longer we’ve lived here, the more our list has grown. This year, we somehow made over 350 cookies to share with neighbors and friends!

The sweetest part is that the kids helped a ton this year. Measuring, mixing, packing up boxes, my two little favorite bakers were all in, and it made the whole day feel extra special.

I love this tradition because it’s simple. No pressure, no perfection. Just time together, music on, oven going, and it’s a small way to remind the people around us that we’re grateful for them. Dropping off cookies has become one of my favorite parts of the season.

These are the kinds of traditions I hope my kids remember. Not the cookies themselves, but the feeling of doing something together, year after year, and sharing it with the people we care about.

What holiday tradition does your family never skip?

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📅 Open 6 days with personalized care plans (Closed Wednesday)

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The Gist: Round Rock is moving ahead with several trail and road projects across the city. Upcoming plans include Heritage Trail East and future extensions of Kenney Fort Boulevard. Ongoing work continues on Lake Creek Trail, Chisholm Trail South, and Gattis School Road, while Heritage Trail West wrapped up earlier this year, adding a new connection into downtown.

Why It Matters: These projects improve daily travel and expand outdoor access for Round Rock families. It’s nice to see steady progress on paths and roads many neighbors use every day.

This skillet dip snowman bakes up a ring of warm, salty bread around a creamy chicken dip center, then turns into a festive holiday showstopper with simple olive and carrot decorations. It’s a merry, melty crowd-pleaser that disappears so fast you might want to make two!

Get the recipe here.

Texas Baptist Children’s Home supports children and families with care, stability, and hope. Volunteers meet real needs that make a lasting impact.

🥫 Host a drive collect food or needed supplies
🎨 Help on campus paint, clean, or organize spaces
📦 Support behind the scenes prep items or projects
🤝 Serve as a group churches, families, or teams welcome

✅ All ages welcome (kids with adult, family-friendly tasks only)

For more details or to sign up, visit Texas Baptist Children’s Home.

Greens Garden makes healthy food feel easy and actually craveable. The space is calm, the food tastes fresh, and the bowls are packed with colorful veggies that feel good to eat.

Guests appreciate the the clean flavors and the choice of plant based or added protein. It’s an easy place to enjoy a healthy lunch without giving up taste.

Rec’s Hushpuppie Heaven lives up to its name with fried favorites that feel both creative and comforting. Guests rave about the catfish that stays crisp outside and tender inside, along with hushpuppies packed with fun fillings like shrimp, jalapeño and bacon.

The space is clean and the team is friendly from the moment you walk in. A local spot that keeps people coming back for flavor and kindness.

👟 WE’RE HIRING: Journeys Round Rock

Journeys seeks a sales team leader to support store operations, coach associates, drive sales goals, and deliver an engaging customer experience. Learn more here.

🎓 WE’RE HIRING: CampusReel Georgetown

CampusReel seeks local teens to create content, promote college resources, and represent their school community through outreach and social media. Learn more here.

🚌 WE’RE HIRING: Hutto Independent School District

Hutto ISD seeks a bus monitor to assist drivers and ensure safe, orderly transportation for students with disabilities. Learn more here.

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As a former teacher myself, these are so relatable! Hang in there, teachers, and enjoy your well-deserved break! ❤️

Thanks for reading. See you next week!

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