As we gear up for the Chinese New Year holiday  (we will be closed from January 24-February 2), we wanted to quickly wish you a VERY Happy Year of the Rat, and thank you for all of your support during the Year of the Pig. 

 For those  jetting off to a scenic destination, why not pack some cookies with you and take a fun lil cookie pic? Not only are they the *ultimate* travel companion/status symbol, but if you tag us (@strictlycookies), you'll get a free cookie with your next order! Please note: we are also very open to non-scenic destination cookie photos, because that would be really funny. Same free cookie perk applies.

If you are daunted by this artistic endeavor, I get it: some just aren't born with the gift. We have, however, put together a handy little guide, so even Blurry Barry could snap a gorgeous shot.

HOW TO TAKE A GREAT HOLIDAY COOKIE PHOTO

Step 1: 

Fill a minimum of 40% of your suitcase with cookies:

Step 2: 
Keep one pack accessible so you can munch on them during your travels (you will thank me later for this hot tip).

Step 3:

Pull out said pack when you encounter a confusing travel moment on the subway/metro/tube in another country*.  Unfortunately, our cookies do not have translation capabilities *yet*, but we can ensure that you will be much more prepared to tackle navigation once you've eaten a cookie (we have tested and confirmed this MANY times).

Step 4:

 One you have arrived at your destination, open your suitcase. One of the packs you have brought with you will be shimmering. This is the pack that will be the subject of your photo. The real journey has begun.

Step 5:

 Pull out the shimmering pack and step away to give it a moment to connect to the new location. Perhaps give it time to meditate, or even walk along the ocean if you have traveled near the water. I'm not going to tell you to specifically travel to a location with water for the cookies, but I will say, you can really tell which cookies have been able to gaze soulfully into the horizon and which haven't. 

Step 6:

Somewhere between 17 minutes and 9 hours later, the cookies will be ready to begin. Unfortunately, there's literally no way to tell at which point this will happen, so it's actually probably best if you just hang around the hotel for the first day. But when they are ready, you'll know because they'll come up to you and say, "it's time." before walking away dramatically.  

Step 7:

 Follow the cookies. They will show you where the photo must be taken.

Step 8:

 Start snapping! 

Step 9:

 When *the* photo has been taken, the cookies will yell "THAT'S IT THAT'S THE ONE" and it will be.  It's very strange, but somehow they know. A 6th sense of some sort. 

Step 10: 

Eat the cookies and bury the once-shimmering pack. It's a cruel yet beautiful cycle.

Now your vacation can begin! And don't be daunted. Honestly, once you give yourself up to the cookies and their process, they really do most of the work.

We hope you have an amazing holiday, and see you on February 3rd!

*or even in your native country. Subways are confusing....