NOTE: This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all of you who entered! The winners have been notified, and they are #464 (Natalie), #1151 (Wendy), and #1307 (Gloria). Y’all have 48 hours to respond before we pick new winners! 🙂
I have a confession for you all and I hope it’s not too shocking: I am not a fan of jam. Not a jam fan. I like homemade freezer jam because it basically tastes like sweetened fruit, but most jam is just too sweet and sickly and cooked fruit-ish for me. If you’re dying to know what I put on toast or peanut butter sandwiches, I like butter on toast and honey on my sandwiches. Am I weird?
Well, I thought I hated all regular jam until I went to Smucker’s last month and I got to try their Orchard’s Finest preserves (and then discovered, in a cruel twist of fate, that they don’t sell it where I live). Even the names are pretty–Pacific Mountain Strawberry and Coastal Valley Peach Apricot and North Woods Blueberry and Fall Harvest Cinnamon Apple. And the jars? 
Don’t even get me started on the jars. Y’all know how I feel about adorable jars and bottles.
I love this jam because not only does it taste fabulous, but it’s fancier than your average jar of jam, so it’s great for holiday entertaining or gift-giving. Instead of just handing someone a jar of jam (anyone remember the Gilmore Girls where Rory and Lorelai forgot to get Luke a present in Europe, so they brought him a jar of jam and he found it lame?), you could fill line a basket with a festive tea towel and then fill it fresh croissants or homemade rolls and then add a jar of jam with a ribbon on it.
Or you could make a plate of these cookies and deliver them with a jar of jam and a copy of the recipe.
If you’re having a party, you could serve up a plate of crackers and slices of crusty bread with some of your favorite cheeses and a few jars of jam. It’s elegant and easy and requires zero to little prep (which is totally what I need right now!)
Because it’s getting close to Christmas and because it’s Thursday (which has always been my favorite day…don’t ask…), we’re giving away 3, count ’em, three of the following gift baskets:
-6 jars of Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest preserves in a cute little crate
-A set of spreading tools (or something similar)
-$100 gift card to Cooking.com
To enter, leave us a comment telling us how you’re getting into the holiday spirit right now! You need to respond here on this post in the comments section, not through email or on Facebook or Twitter. The giveaway is a short one! It will end next Tuesday, December 13 and the winners will be announced on Wednesday morning.
**Thank you to all who entered! This giveaway is now closed!**
My son is 3 and this is by far, my favorite Christmas. He is making Christmas so much fun! We have been focusing on the nativity so he doesn’t forget the true meaning of Christmas!
Listening to Christmas Music and wrapping gifts while trying to keep the cat from knocking over the Christmas Tree(again….).
Daughter just had a pacemaker put in so we’re off to a slow start, but she’s recuperating at my home and we are ready to start decorating, baking, and doing some online shopping
I just made a batch of fudge, and I’m watching Christmas movies. I figured out that a mom and four kids needed extra help, gathered my girl friends together and now have gift cards for gas and food to give her. Working on Christmas cards and then I will decorate the house. Praying for snow.
I have put up my (first!) Christmas tree, almost finished with the tree skirt, have some lights, and am almost finished with an ornament wreath for my door! Now I just need to have people over.. haha
I adore the tart cherry jam they make! Sooo good! I am getting in the holiday spirit by listening to Christmas music and reading Christmas books and shopping!
Just got back from my first Christmas party this season, going to a holiday house tour this weekend and mailing out my Christmas cards! LOVE Christmas!!
Planning baking for upcoming parties, watching Christmas movies, and celebrating Advent with the family each evening before bed.
I’m getting the mood by listening to the Lite FM ( they’ve had Christmas music playing since right after Halloween!!), watching the 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family and looking at my Christams tree twinkle every night.
Teaching my 2-year-old about the meaning of Christmas!
Baking Christmas goodies for the little boys that live next door to me as well as for other neighbors and friends and families.
Preparing for a family dinner full of crock pot goodness and peppermint bark rice krispie treats all while listening to Justin Bieber holiday on Pandora. Yes, I am 35.
Wrapping presents! 🙂
Listening to Christmas music from the great singers of yore. Bing Crosby, Nate King Cole, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Mel Torme, Perry Como, Barbra Streisand and my favorite Johnny Mathis.
I did some baking for neighbors today and right now I am listening to Christmas music!
I get in the spirit by sitting next to my lovely tree and eating a cookie!
I’m just trying to be more giving. There is nothing better then feeling the spirit of Christ at Christmas.
I love the Holidays! And this year all three of my kids will be with us – first time in 15 years that we’ve all been together for Christmas (they are all grown). I’m preparing a ‘special request’ dish for each of them . . . making memories stay alive for all of us! Love your Blog, and your recipes!!
We are decorating inside and out for Christmas.I have been watching the Christmas movies every night since the beginning of Dec. Turning on all the lighted decorations at night to enjoy all the sparkle.
DECEMBER 13!!! That’s my 40th birthday! Oh I hope I win since I never win one of these drawings. Maybe it’ll be my lucky day. I’ve been pinning and crafting what I Pin to get ready for Christmas. Oh and baking entirely too many yummy things.
The Living Nativity in Alpine, UT. We had to travel over 1 1/2 hrs, but it was worth it to give us the right frame of mind for the season!
I went to my daughters orchestra concert tonight. There is nothing like live music to get that holiday spirit flowing.
Decking the halls while listening to Christmas music.
Not a lot Christmasy going on here, I am packing to move the day after Dhristmas. I did go finish my Christmas shopping, though, and we do have a teeny little tree up.
I just made a batch of homemade caramels & now getting ready for our Holiday Cookie Exchange Party on Saturday!
I’m starting the holiday this weekend by visiting NYC and starting to bake all the goodies this sunday !
Baking chocolate covered cherry cookies, making caramels, and singing Christmas songs with the kids. LOVE this time with family!
What a cute way to “spread” the love around! These would make a wonderful addition to any breakfast or party. Love, love, love them! Merriest of CHRISTmases!
What a great giveaway!! I am fully into Christmas right now, just because of all the decorations, christmas music on the radio, and just the general feeling in the air. But this Saturday I have especially set aside most of the day to do my Christmas baking! I am so excited to make and decorate Christmas cookies with both my girls!! 🙂
I’ve been decorating around the house, baking up a storm, and listening to Christmas music to get in the holiday mood 🙂