December 23: "Footprints" (from goodpenmanship)


Marsha, the maid, was peering doubtfully over Mrs. Hudson's shoulder at the sugar biscuit dough the landlady was rolling and cutting.

"I'm not sure what most of these shapes are supposed to be," she admitted. "Is that a footprint?"

Mrs. Hudson laughed. "Oh, dear, I have not filled you in our little tradition here! It began when Dr. Watson moved out, and Mr. Holmes forbid any Christmas decorations or treats. He was never one for holiday cheer, but he would indulge the doctor. I still wished to bring some little seasonal flavor, so I settled upon making sugar biscuits with patterns that Mr. Holmes could surely not object to. I have to cut the shapes myself since they don't make cutters in detective themed shapes. So to answer your question, yes, that is a footprint! And that is a magnifying glass—"

"Knife and pistol shaped biscuits too?" The girl looked a little concerned.

Mrs. Hudson waved a hand. "It is all in good fun, and nothing Mr. Holmes does not see every day. I try to come up with at least one new one every year. I've decided this year to make one in the shape of that cloth cap Dr. Doyle's illustrator has decided to depict him wearing. That is sure to get a reaction out of Mr. Holmes!"