The first drag queen cookie, Dec. 2006

It was Christmas 2003 when my son, then thirteen, transformed the cookie cutout of a toy soldier into Marge Simpson, and the snowman, turned upside down, became a Powerpuff Girl.

The first “beach babies” appeared on the cookie platter that same year, courtesy of my nephew, David, who comes all the way from Australia every December for the annual cookie decorating marathon at my house.

The year Harry joined the local cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as Trixie, Marge Simpson gave way to the first drag queen cookie. She was never eaten, and remains preserved on the windowsill in his dad’s kitchen. (Off camera: Harry shakes his head.)

For the past four years, my very own Harry & David have been joined by the creative brother-and-sister team of Nicky and Lily Drew. In 2010, Nicky morphed the Christmas ornament cookies into hot air balloons and fish bowls, while Lily personified the gingerbread houses.

In 2012 it was the battle of wigs vs. pigs for most creative cookie. This year there’s a terrific crew on deck. I expect some fierce competition, as artist Tyler Wallach joins the team. I have a feeling that the cutout scraps I bake for eating will soon be transmuted into wild little somethings. David, who arrives in NYC tonight, has already emailed that he’s feeling the pressure. And he doesn’t even know yet that Tyler is coming.

I’ll be sure to post the Best of 2013 Cookies. In the meantime, I’ll be in the kitchen. The gingerbread men await.