WOODSTOCK — Just in time for the holiday season, author Jason Wright will release “The Christmas Jars Cookbook: Recipes, Crafts and Heartwarming Stories from Our Family to Yours” to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his best-selling novel “Christmas Jars.”
“We wanted to take a little bit of our family dynamic and cobble it all together in one big book,” said Wright, who co-wrote the cookbook with his wife, Kodi. “That’s why the acknowledgments at the back are written in recipe style, because the whole thing is just kind of one big recipe of the Wright Family.”
Wright added that he and Kodi, who live in Woodstock, hope the book will inspire readers to spread kindness and share their creations with others, not just at Christmas, but all year long.
“We were thinking of something that we could put together that would expand on (“Christmas Jars”) because not everybody who needs a little love at Christmas needs a jar full of money,” said Kodi. “Sometimes it can be taking a plate of cookies or just something thoughtful.”
The 176-page book features recipes, crafts and stories that invite readers to explore the idea of giving beyond financial gifts. Wright builds on his story of Hope Jenson, the journalist in “Christmas Jars” who uncovers the remarkable secret behind a holiday tradition: money-filled glass jars anonymously shared with people in need.
“We really decided to settle on things that were important to our family,” Kodi said. “Crafts that we’ve made in the past together. Recipes we’ve made, but we also threw in some new things too.”
For the Wrights, Christmas is a deeply meaningful time. Kodi recalled the tragic losses that have marked the season: Jason’s father, who passed away in December when Jason was in high school, and her brother, who was killed in a car accident several years later, also in December.
During December, Kodi shared, the family focuses on healing. She does a lot of crafting, baking with the family and, of course, giving.
“I told Jason from the very beginning when ‘Christmas Jars’ came out, that this wasn’t about us,” she said. “This was about something much bigger. This was, for us, the Lord working in people’s lives through a story that inspires them to see other people.”
With 30 recipes, the “Christmas Jars Cookbook” blends beloved family favorites with a few discoveries, all designed to be kid friendly.
“A couple are variations, but for the most part, they’re recipes that our kids grew up making,” Kodi said, although some are recipes she tried out for the first time last year.
Kodi emphasized the fun that can be found creating lasting memories in the kitchen with family, but also the importance of giving the treats away.
“Not everyone wants a million treats around their house,” she said. “After everyone tastes it, take some to the neighbors or to someone in your congregation who’s had a rough year and could use a little pick-me-up.”
Chiming in, Jason said his favorite cookie is Kodi’s Level-up S’mores Cookies because of the marshmallow, adding that they’re “emotionally good too.”
“We always tell people to use your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, because everyone has their favorite, right? And then before they’re done, you throw in the marshmallows and then dip them in chocolate and graham crackers,” Jason said, before adding, “Those will be served in Heaven, when you get there in the goodie bag.”
Other family favorites include The Less Famous Reindeer Pops and Ginger’s Cream Cookies; a recipe traced to Kodi’s great-great-grandmother.
Pay close attention to the directions, Jason noted, “they’re meant to be funny.”
As for the crafts, the couple said they worked to include something for all ages — easy enough for kids to join in as well as some slightly more challenging projects.
The stories in the book highlight both givers and recipients of Christmas jars, emphasizing the spirit of generosity and community.
“There are so many great stories,” she said, smiling. “It’s one of our favorite things about Christmas, when the stories start rolling in.”
Stories include Siska and David Woodson, who shared how a car accident and later a Christmas Jar reminded them of the mysterious ways God works. Another comes from Bruce Brubaker III, whose children, Jason explained, have never known a Christmas without the tradition of giving. The cookbook also features Wright family memories, with members reflecting on how Christmas Jar stories have touched their lives and the impact a single jar can have.
“I want people to read the stories and then go do it,” said Jason matter-of-factly. “I want them to be able to say, ‘I want to have this experience in my life.'”
Jason said seeing his own family memories sprinkled throughout the book was special.
“It was fun to bring it all together and, being the 20th anniversary, the kids being involved, like the grandkids get a little shout out at the front, which is something we’ve never been able to do together,” Jason said.
The “Christmas Jars Cookbook” will be available in stores and online on Oct. 14. Fans are invited to celebrate the release at 6:30 p.m. this Friday at Bonfire Bookstore at 108 N. Main St. in Woodstock with a book-signing event. The first 30 attendees will receive a gift from the couple’s publisher.
Kara Balcerzak, owner of Bonfire Bookstore, expressed her delight in the upcoming book signing.
“The heart of any bookstore community is writers,” she said. “This will be the first time we have a book release party, so it’s very exciting to be able to do it with Jason and Kodi. He’s a good writer and obviously he’s passionate about writing, but I think his real heart is in community and kindness and bringing people together to spread joy.”
To learn more about the cookbook and details for the book release party, visit www.jasonfwright.com
Dining and Cooking