What sparks holiday joy at Rocky

The holidays are a crazy time here at Rocky Mountain Soap Company. We’re busy in the workshop putting all those beautiful gifts together for you by hand. We’re making sure that everything is shipped out in time for your holiday celebrations (psst… want to see us in action? Take a tour). On the frontline our retail employees are working hard with you to make sure you check off everyone on your list—and maybe get a complimentary hand treatment, too. Work aside, there are holiday parties to attend, stockings to stuff and trees to be trimmed. But we always find ways to spark joy in our lives. From dog cookies to holiday outfits, here are just a few of the things about the holidays that warm our hearts.

Sue 
Workshop Tour Director, Canmore

Sue started the super-popular production tour (don’t take our word for it, check out Trip Advisor, where we’re #3 of 41 Canmore, Alberta tours) in September of 2016. 

“For me, it's baking my family's favourite cookies (including for my grand-doggy, Gemma) this festive time of the year. They look forward to their very ‘own’ treats they receive just once a year making it extra special. Not to mention how nice it scents the house this time of year — even the dog's peanut butter shortbreads smell great! Although diets have changed I have adapted my recipes for them and they appreciate the efforts. It brings me joy to bring them joy.”

Here's the recipe for Sue’s grand-doggy Gemma’s favourite biscuits:
 
Doggie Peanut Butter Shortbread

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour (you can substitute the flours for rice flour as a gluten-free option)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky works!)
3/4 cup milk
 
Method:

1. Combine flours and baking powder in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

2. In saucepan over low heat, whisk together peanut butter and milk until smooth (not hot)

3. Make a well in the flour mixture and gradually stir peanut mixture into flour until blended. It will be sticky.

4. Using floured hands, work dough to create 2 balls, kneading each separately on floured surface about 2 minutes.

5. With rolling pan, roll dough out till 1/4" or 1/2" thick and with cookie cutters (bone shape, star, etc) cut them out and place on foil or parchment lined cookie sheets with space in between.

6. Bake 15 minutes at 400 degrees.

7. Remove and cool on rack then store in sealed plastic bags or plastic containers and store in fridge or freeze till needed.

8. Makes 2 sheets full! 


Annie 
Social Media & Community Manager

“This time of year I love being around the people (and fur balls) I love! The laughter and fun is what brings me so much joy. And of course, forced cuddles and matching outfits with my dog Ginny always makes me smile.”

Chelsea 
Assistant Store Manager, Bower Mall, Red Deer

“What sparks my joy this time of year is the reminder of the value of presence and community. Presence of myself, of others, of our tribe of friends and family (tribe of all the earthlings of all shapes, sizes, and species) both physically, and in spirit when they can’t be physically. Presence over presents is my motto. This time of year can bring us an undeniable reminder of how lucky we all are and how beautiful and kind this world can be, if you let it. Winter comes and urges everyone to huddle up to share warmth and love. I also love that as the year comes to an end, we naturally reflect on the year passed and the year to come, what works and what no longer serves us as we continue to grow into our best selves.”

Sarah 
Manager, Employee Experience

When Sarah started at Rocky two and a half years ago, she realised she had an abundance of holiday-themed clothes that she needed to share with the world. That's why every Friday in December, her outfit gets a little bit more festive. "It just makes me happy," says Sarah. It definitely makes everyone in the office happy, too!

Roseanne 
Assistant Manager, the CORE, Calgary 

“What brings me joy during the holidays is spending time with my daughter and fiancee, either cuddling up to watch a good cheesy Christmas film, or taking long snowy walks. Drinking lots of hot chocolate also brings me joy!” 

Carina 
Manager, Richmond-Adelaide Centre, Toronto 

"My Holidays Joy is decorating the tree with my partner. He puts a Christmas record on, and we spend hours dancing in the living room and adding all our ornaments. We make peppermint tea and debate how much tinsel is too much tinsel. The tree is such an important part of my Christmas. I love when you walk in the door every day from the cold and get a big smell of the fresh pine needles. I love walking around in the evening by the light of the Christmas tree."

Leanne 
Product Advisor, Canmore

“My favourite thing to do during the holiday season is not only bake delicious cookies with my mom, but sit but the piano and sing with my dad. Music fills the house as well as the smell of warm treats made with love. Spending time with my parents is a must.” 

Erin
Recruitment and Pay Coordinator

"What brings me holiday joy is taking time to walk around some residential areas with light decorations with friends; then once my cheeks get rosy I head home for eggnog and cuddle up in a toasty blanket and watch a couple of my ultimate fave Christmas movie classics!" 

From all of us at Rocky, we wish you a wonderful, joyous holiday season!