Above, Jen Beachem, left, and her friend Mandy James suit up for their annual day of making holiday treats. For years, the friends and their daughters have made it a point to bake together for the holidays. At left, Ryli Beachem, Genevieve Genaway and Cali Beachem are deep in the cookie preparation zone.

In the Beachem household, Jen Beachem and her friend Mandy James have come together for the last five years with their daughters for a Christmas cookie baking extravaganza. Beachem said, “The girls love the tradition of getting together with friends, and we make it an event to remember. We all wear special aprons, sing along to our favorite Christmas songs and have dinner after or during the baking session.”

Beachem's daughters Cali, 12, and Ryli, 9, look forward to getting together with James' daughter Anna, 11. Recently they have added friends Marcy Genaway and her daughter Genevieve, 9.

They make a variety of cookies and treats including crock pot candy, peanut butter blossoms, pretzel cookies and hot cocoa bombs.Their favorites? Oreo balls, and the recipe and directions for these treats are quite easy.Crush one pack of Oreos.Use a mixer and mix with one block of cream cheese.Chill for at least an hour.Form the mixture into round balls, and dip in melted chocolate.The cookie balls can be decorated with sprinkles, drizzled with white chocolate, or topped with anything that adds to the gooey goodness.

From left, Ryli Beachem, Genevieve Genaway and Cali Beachem are deep in cookie preparation.