Nailed It! Holiday Challenge

Diwali and Ladoos

Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu holiday that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families decorate their homes with colorful lamps, candles and rangoli designs, exchange sweets and enjoy fireworks to celebrate the occasion.

One popular treat during Diwali is ladoos, sweet round balls made from ingredients like flour, sugar and ghee.

For our Nailed It! challenge, we want you to try making ladoos yourselves and incorporate your favorite color(s)! It’s a fun way to explore Diwali traditions while practicing your sweets-making skills.

Kwanzaa and Sweet Potato Pie

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration from December 26 to January 1 that honors African heritage, culture and community. Families celebrate by lighting the Kinara (a special candleholder), reflecting on seven important principles like unity and creativity and sharing stories, music and dances.

One popular treat during Kwanzaa is sweet potato pie, a delicious dessert often enjoyed with family and friends.

For our Nailed It! challenge, we want you to try making sweet potato pie yourselves, adding a “secret” ingredient! It’s a fun way to explore Kwanzaa traditions while practicing your dessert-making creativity.

Las Posadas and Galletas de Atole

Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican holiday that takes place over nine nights, from December 16 through the 24. It celebrates the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place to stay before baby Jesus was born. Families go from house to house singing carols, asking for shelter and are welcomed with music, food and sometimes a piñata!

One popular treat enjoyed during Las Posadas is atole, a warm, sweet drink made from cornmeal, milk and sugar, often flavored with cinnamon or chocolate.

For our Nailed It! challenge, we want you to put a creative spin on this tradition by making galletas de atole—atole-inspired cookies! It’s a fun way to explore flavors from Las Posadas while practicing your kitchen creativity.

Lunar New Year and Tangyuan

Lunar New Year, also called Chinese New Year, is celebrated by families across Asia to welcome the new year according to the lunar calendar. The holiday is full of colorful decorations, dragon and lion dances, fireworks and family gatherings to honor traditions and bring good luck for the year ahead.

One popular treat during Lunar New Year is tangyuan, sweet rice balls often filled with sesame, peanut or red bean paste.

For our Nailed It! challenge, we want you to try making tangyuan yourselves in a fun animal shape! It’s a fun way to explore Lunar New Year traditions while practicing your decorating creativity.

Saint Lucia and Lussekatter

Saint Lucia’s Day is a Swedish holiday celebrated on December 13 to honor Saint Lucia and bring light during the dark winter days. Girls dress in white with red sashes and wear crowns of candles, and families celebrate with music, processions and festive foods.

One popular treat during Saint Lucia’s Day is lussekatter, saffron-flavored buns shaped like an “S” and often decorated with raisins.

For our Nailed It! challenge, we want you to try making lussekatter yourselves in a shape of your choosing! It’s a fun way to explore Saint Lucia’s Day traditions while practicing your baking creativity.

Weihnachten and Stollen

Weihnachten is the German celebration of Christmas, which takes place on December 24 and continues through the holiday season. Families decorate Christmas trees, sing carols and enjoy festive markets called Weihnachtsmärkte, filled with lights, crafts and delicious treats.

One popular treat during Weihnachten is Stollen, a sweet, fruit-filled bread often dusted with powdered sugar.

For our Nailed It! challenge, we want you to try making Stollen yourselves with your favorite fruit(s)! It’s a fun way to explore German holiday traditions while practicing your holiday-baking skills.