Barbara Kramer, 82, sat with friends waiting for the Christmas Cookie Challenge and Exchange to begin. With a sly grin, she snuck a quick bite of candy cane shaped cookie, before the official start of the event.

In her defense, she said they simply looked too good to wait.

Baking holiday cookies has always been a family tradition for Kramer. But this year, she put her family’s snickerdoodle recipe to the test at Willowbrook Place in south Jeffco.

Several residents, staff and family members joined in on the fun on Dec. 22, tasting cookies and voting for their favorites. For memory care patients like Kramer, the party is about more than just sweet treats. It’s a chance to share the company of friends, re-engage and connect with each other through music, laughter and of course, cookies.

“Having dementia doesn’t diminish the joy of celebrating family traditions,” said Sarah Kressig, life engagement director for Willowbrook Place. “Holiday cookies are more than sweets; they are happy memories and will connect the residents with their loved ones.”

Beckie Halaska, Willowbrook Place’s community relations director, said events like this are important for residents in so many ways.

“It gives them a sense of dignity, judgement, involvement and brings them into the holiday spirit,” she said. “It helps us keep things active, fun and lively.”