This year’s Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade theme of Timeless Traditions brings to mind many holiday traditions our neighbors and employees have enjoyed through the years with Southeast Gas.

Our Southeast Gas Christmas floats themselves are a tradition – for more than 30 years, we’ve entered our interpretations of gingerbread houses, Santa’s soda shop, cartoonish kitchens, and even a castle and an igloo.

In addition to our floats, Southeast Gas employees have enjoyed a holiday tradition of participating with Andalusia’s Community Christmas event since the activity’s inception many years ago. Every year, numerous employees select gift items for their “angels,” and then our work-study employees have the honor of dropping off the packages to be sorted and delivered. For several years, employees also helped assemble bicycles for this event, diligently ensuring that each one was safe and ready for little feet to pedal on Christmas morning.

Our favorite tradition is one that spans throughout our service area – far beyond just one city and into all the communities served by Southeast Gas. It’s the tradition of filling a kitchen with the scent of fresh-baked cookies and then sharing those goodies. That tradition makes us feel most at home during the holidays. We’re sharing one of our favorite cookie recipes with you this year:

Santa’s Favorite Cookies

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup red and green candy-coated chocolate (like M&Ms)

1/2 cup English toffee bits

1/2 cup caramel baking chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, making soda, and salt. In separate bowl, beat butter, sugars, and vanilla until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined. Stir in chocolate chips, candy, toffee, and caramel chips until incorporated throughout the dough. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with a large glass of milk and share with your friends, neighbors, and, of course, Santa!