When I am invited to my cousin's home for holiday dinner, she always bakes large quantities of numerous desserts. The desserts are usually sitting out on a counter for a few hours before dinner. For many years I have always 'sneaked' one cookie before dinner. I do this in view of my cousin, who 'mock scolds' me. I never sample a dessert (such as a cake) that would be visibly altered by what I remove. I would never do such a thing with other than family... My daughter thinks this is horribly rude. I see it as amusing (since it is an annual 'ritual') and only as a compliment to my cousin, who is an excellent chef/baker.
What do you think?

I see no harm done if the host approves of what you do... if it were me I would be sneaking a cookie or two myself.

The holidays are such a mellow time of the year. It is about family spending time together, not about getting in trouble for sneaking cookies. As long as you are in the presence of family, and not just an acquaintance, I think it is OK.

haha i dont see any problem at all!:D its actully funny! like jrb252000 says I would sneek a few cookies too! And this is not rude because its family but thats my oppion...

She's on to you and is going along with the joke. :D

No harm, no foul.

We steal deviled eggs in my family. :) We (siblings and cousins) hold an unofficial "contest" to see who can get "yelled at" first. Then we do a victory lap around the living room! :) It's all in good fun!

I say if your cousin has no problem with it, go for it! Maybe you should share your stolen goodies with your daughter so she can see what she's missing out on!

I think it would only be rude if you ate all the cookies on the plate. Other then that I see no harm. I do the same thing, I usually try to cram one in my mouth before anyone sees.

I steal cookies, my cousin steals shrimp out of the fridge on Christmas Eve everyone has something :)

Sounds pretty harmless to me.

If the host doesn't smack your hand with a wooden spoon... something my Aunt used to do to me when I sneaked similar goodies then no harm is done. Sneaking food at a holiday gathering is a timeless tradition! :)

LOL no, there's nothing wrong with that. You get a cookie and a mock scolding. If she didn't want anyone to have them she wouldn't have baked them in the first place nor put them out where anyone can get to them easily.
If it's a little "ritual" you have with your cousin, then it isn't rude at all. Just some harmless silly fun.

Well I would never sneak one, I may go get a plate full, but sneak never.

I don't think I would have the will power not to grab one... A Ritual, I think is worth it.

Well try to keep the italian guys out of the pasta sauce when its cooking. The ladies too. You pretty much are expected to have extra bread around so the quality control group can have a test sample.

How old is your daughter?

If this is the worst noise you hear from her, you are a lucky man. If this is the worst you do to your cousin, I think you are forgiven.

It seems to be harmless.

The post has made my day.:D
I think that is very cute, life doesn't have to be that intense all the time.
It is just A COOKIE!
A COOKIE!!

Tell your daughter to relax and have a little fun. It's family, it's the holidays and it's a dame between you and your cousin, continue on!

Or, next time say "Here, Sweetie, have a cookie!" and smile brightly to your little one.

If you weren't supposed to sneak the cookies, why did she put them out like that?

If you weren't supposed to sneak the cookies, why did she put them out like that?

wow. =) the-old-sneaky-turn-the-tables trick. She's an enabler! a cookie tease! You should get an apron with "cookie tease" monogrammed on it. She might not wear it. But shell probably laugh. And your daughter will likely turn shades of crimson you haven't seen yet.

I can't not believe this post is still going on, Com'n, it is just A COOKIE.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOkie.

Okay I am done:D

JUST a cookie?

My wife has made me go out in the dark and the rain for a cookie. OK, it was actually a "gooey brownie", and it took three stores to get it... but hell hath seen no wrath like a woman without her chocolate...

Do not underestimate the power of a cookie.

Hey! I think I just found my new sig line.

Nice, kp, very nice indeed.

I do not think it is rude at all PROVIDED, as you say, you are doing in a familiar circle. On the contrary, I think it is a proof of affection towards them AS LONG AS you do it, as you say, in view of your cousin.
When we gather with family members it is nice to show a fair amount of informality and kindness.
Behaving too formally may tend to show a lack of appreciation for the members of that family or a degree of arrogance on your side.

Watch the dates on old threads. The advice is still applicable here, but the post is from 14 months ago, meaning the issue is long since resolved. Doesn't mean don't post... just a good I idea to direct energy toward posters needing help presently.