A Bread Family Christmas

Have you heard the story of the Bread Family Christmas?  I didn't think so.  Time to grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit back and relax as I share with you one of the most illusive stories never told.   

Although very little is known about the origins of the Bread family, their ancestry can be traced all the way back to the days of Moses and the leavened lineage of the Manna’s.  

A long time ago, the wind was howling, snow was falling and it was a very, very cold Christmas Eve night.  Corn & Ginger Bread were busily preparing for holiday guests to arrive for their annual Christmas celebration. 

The Bread’s were blessed with six little muffins, each one embracing unique, individual personalities:  

• Blueberry-She never ceased to leave an imprint everywhere she went
• Banana Nut-He loved to tell jokes, but couldn’t always keep it together
• English-She was the third born muffin with a split sense of humor
• Choco Latte-No doubt about it, he was certainly a chip off the 'ol block
• Bran-4th in line, was nicknamed the peacemaker because he always tried to avoid confusion and much preferred for everything to run smooth 
• Pumpkin-Last but not least, the baby of the family and what a touch of spice she added
  

Excitement was in the air as the little muffins anxiously awaited the arrival of well… you know who?  However, the excitement was less than a reality for Corn Bread, he was stressed and worried because the troubled economy made raisin six little muffins difficult.  It goes without saying that times were tough for the Breads.  Everyone, was cutting back and tightening their belts, or at least trying too, as many Breads were being sliced away from everything they had known. 

Day after day, Cornbread would roll to the factory because they kneaded the dough.  Through it all, Ginger Bread never seemed overly concerned.  Ginger went about her sweet way, smiling through the worst of times.  Inside the little canister they called a house, Ginger Bread always made everyone feel a little bit better and could always transform a bad day into a good one.

Ginger Bread made sure that the little muffins got a quick nap earlier that day, so they would be wide awake for the festivities.  After a couple of hours, Ginger sang, “rise and shine”.  Waking up was a little difficult for the little muffins as they seemed to be stuck in the warmth of their surroundings, but a little bit of careful nudging and they were ready to greet everyone.

It wouldn't be long before the "in-laws", the Loaves, would arrive.  This added to Corn Bread's stress.  Their rye sense of humor was never received well, and most of the time they ended up behaving like heels.  Yet, year after year, Corn Bread kept hoping that this would be the year things would be different.

As customary, Breads from all over the country would soon be arriving from yeast to west and everywhere in-between. Aunt Éclair and Cousin Pita were the first to arrive.  Uncle Crumpet soon followed. Uncle Crumpet always made Ginger Bread nervous because sometimes he would arrive a little half baked. 

Time moved quickly and soon everyone arrived.  Ginger Bread's house was filled with Breads; more than three dozen were gathered around the oven.  The clock ticked ever so slowly as the little muffins anticipation grew.  The little muffins were almost crumbling with excitement, when suddenly.......a loud POP was heard outside the little house, followed by a giggle.  It was time!  The moment they had been waiting for.......  

There he was, easily identifiable by his characteristic hat, shirt and no pants ensemble. Yes, it was the famous Dough Boy himself, delivering goodies, fresh from the oven.  He spoke not a word, but the giggles were endless.  Dough Boy was soon out the door, on to the next oven, but they heard him exclaim as he soared out of sight, ....Happy Baking to all and to all a good night!