The steps to making cupcakes for Christmas

I said I had already completed Step 1, but I think that I am way ahead of that now...

Step 1 - 2 months out, ask mom what the plans are for Christmas dinner. This is the step where you learn that you are expected to make cupcakes.

Step 2 - Think about all the super fun (and mildly ridiculous) things you can do while decorating cupcakes.

Step 3 - Visit Bakerella.com and get really excited about the idea of making cake pops instead.

Step 4 - Realize that cake pops are too much effort for the little bit of appreciation and the tons of complaining you will receive from your family. (I mean, how could I possibly think of doing something fun and interesting and different for this crowd - I am saving those cake pops for another special occassion - tbd)

Step 5 - Decide that you will make plain old boring cupcakes in flavors like "white" and "chocolate" but throw in a twist with a unique Christmasy flavor (like gingerbread - I'm just saying, it sounds like a good idea)

Step 6 - Remember when your granny bought you that candy making kit many, many years ago and decide that you were so freaking good at making those candies that you must make little chocolate candy toppers for your cupcakes.

Step 7 - (Previously referred to as Step 1) About 6 weeks out, purchase adorable candy molds from candy/cake company that is conveniently located right down the street from your house - I really should make more use of that place!

Step 8 - Stock up on candy melts and candy decorating "pens" (which are kind of expensive in my opinion - so they better not suck)

Let's decorate some candy!

[All done to this point]

Step 9 - After reading the local grocery circulars and stealing the appropriate coupons from your parents' Sunday Newspaper, head to your local grocery store to stock up on white/chocolate cake mixes, boring canned frosting, and all the fixins for gingerbread cupcakes (I mean, if that's the flavor that you chose)

Step 10 - Melt candy all over your kitchen in an effort to re-hone your candy making skills. (I am just guessing that this will happen)

Step 11 - Turn co-workers into candy and cupcake-tasting test dummies. (Guess there will be a lot of baking going on this next week...)

Step 12 - Evaluate your progress thus far and determine next steps.