Olivia Rodrigo's Recess Therapy Interview Has Some Really Solid Relationship Advice

olivia rodrigo recess therapy

Besides absolutely insane lyrics like "They all say that it gets better, it gets better, but what if I don't?" and "We both drew blood, but man, those cuts were never equal," one of the best parts of Olivia Rodrigo's Guts is her recent interview with Recess Therapy. If you've never seen a video from Recess Therapy (like Corn Kid) they're filled with really crazy yet really grounded advice from elementary schoolers. The official YouTube bio explains that the channel features "one stressed 22 year old in need of guidance. A playground full of untrained therapists. Little kids, big questions, free advice."

In their latest episode, popstar Olivia Rodrigo stopped in to talk to her biggest fan and to get some relationship advice that, honestly, I'm planning on taking back to my own relationships.

Watch The Olivia Rodrigo Recess Therapy Interview Here

www.youtube.com

Olivia Rodrigo SUPERFAN Meets Her Idol | Recess Therapy

I loved hearing from Miles, who says that he describes love as something someone should love "so much you want to marry it." After Olivia expresses she has yet to love someone enough to get married, Miles reaches out a hand and says, "I really hope you'll find love"...before immediately following up with, "And the only person you can't marry is your cousin."

When it comes to finding someone you want to marry: "Look at everybody around you [and] pick a person that looks kind," he says. He also offers an important reminder that we need to be aware of people's baggage, and says he doesn't want to date anyone who's a thief. Check and check.

But the sweetest moment came when Olivia got to meet Liv — who went viral last year for her love of Olivia. "It makes me feel, like, stronger every time I listen to it," Liv says about Guts. "Women and girls can do anything that they dream [of]. I feel like I can achieve more things that I would've done than without listening to her songs."

I feel exactly the same way. Time to listen to the whole album again!

What's your favorite moment from the Olivia Rodrigo Recess Therapy interview? Do you have a favorite song on Guts? Let us know *all* your Olivia Rodrigo hot takes in the comments. Check out our Facebook for more pop culture news!

Lead image via Recess Therapy/YouTube.

Olivia Rodrigo's Guts is the sonic equivalent of a no-holds-barred burn book, its pages crying out to be plastered on lockers and bathroom walls, to be seen by everyone. This sophomore album is even more relatable than the singer's first, and seamlessly touches on every half-written, heartbroken rant lying dormant in our notes app, transforming them into electrifying lyrics you can't help but belt.

Unlike its predecessor, Sour (the 2021 chart-topper that truly launched Rodrigo from High School Musical star to global sensation), Guts delves deep into the duality of heartbreak — and the existentialism we all feel, no matter our age. "It's SO GOOD, social lead Mallory Levy said after the drop. "I'm not in this age group but I feel [their experience] and am instantly transported. The perfect mix of Taylor [Swift]-level lyrics + Paramore-level angst that I never knew I needed."

Y2K-inspired pop punk guitars echo throughout the album, adding an extra layer of intensity to Rodrigo’s rage-fueled confessions. Guts undeniably provides the soundtrack to those earth-shattering breakups that propel every girl into womanhood, those gut-wrenching moments when it's hard to let go, even when you know it’s for the best. It’s a collection of anthems for identity crises, and a musical odyssey through female fury and adolescent heartbreak.

Is there a music video for Obsessed by Olivia Rodrigo?

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Olivia Rodrigo - obsessed (Official Music Video)

Yes, the "Obsessed" music video debuted on March 22, and it's giving major Wednesday and The Summer I Turned Prettyvibes! The song is all about being, well, obsessed with your partner's ex. You can just *feel* Olivia's anxiety through the lyrics. And the music video is a super fun take on a beauty pageant/cotillion situation, with all of her partner's exes prepping to compete against each other. While all the other women are in white, Olivia wears an edgy black dress Wednesday Addams would approve of, with her socks adding Guts' signature red to the outfit.

Is there a deluxe version of GUTS?

Image via Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABA

Yes, during her Oliva Rodrigo's tour, the singer announced the Guts deluxe edition, which she's calling Guts (Spilled)! The new edition will be released Friday, March 22. In addition to the songs we already have from the original album, Olivia Rodrigo is releasing the fan-favorite “Obsessed,” as well as “Girl I’ve Always Been,” “Scared of My Guitar,” “So American,” and “Stranger.”

What song did Olivia Rodrigo sing at the Grammys?

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

At the 2024 Grammys, Olivia Rodrigo sang "Vampire" in a red silk dress. The purple virtual background featured some red flowers, but as Olivia sang, the flowers started to bleed. And the longer the song went on, the gorier the scene got (including some fake blood makeup Olivia smeared on her face). I love this approach to the "Vampire" music video because it captures its chaotic energy but feels much more sophisticated. Plus Olivia sounded amazing!!

Ranking Every Track On Olivia Rodrigo's "Guts," A Nearly Impossible Task

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Olivia Rodrigo - vampire (Official Video)

Making The Bed

Most Relatable Lyric: “Every good thing has turned into somethin' I dread // And I'm playin' the victim so well in my head”

Now that dreaming about fortune and fame is in Rodrigo’s rearview, "Making The Bed" walks us through the bittersweet reality of getting everything you’ve ever wanted. After all, we can probably all relate to putting our desires on a pedestal and then feeling confused when the reality of those dreams isn't what we expected.

Vampire

Most relatable lyric: "I tried you help you out, now I know that I can't // 'Cause how you think's the kind of thing I'll never understand."

What could be considered the only power ballad on the album, the lyrics in "Vampire" remind us of the “Driver's License"-esque emotions we’ve come to love (and expect) from Rodrigo. She's proven she can fuse anger and regret while still empowering listeners, and "vampire" sinks its teeth in, a theatrical roller-coaster ride worth the repeat.

Lacy

Most relatable lyric: "I feel your compliments like bullеts on skin // Dazzling starlet, Bardot reincarnate // Wеll, aren't you the greatest thing to ever exist?"

Reminiscent of classic green-eyed songs before it, like Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” "Lacy" is a portrait of the other woman. Rodrigo doesn’t outright beg Lacy not to steal her man, but instead details her own flaws through Lacy’s perceived perfections. For Rodrigo, “lacy” is but a characterization of unrealistic expectations that she’s made real.

Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl

Most relatable lyric: "Everythin' I do is tragic // Every guy I like is gay // The morning after I panic // Oh, God, what did I say?"

Rodrigo reckons with her fear of being seen and of saying the right things. From constantly missing social cues to speaking just to have something to say, "Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl" mirrors the life of a girl who spends her time twiddling her thumbs one minute and over-analyzing literally everything the next. SO RELATABLE.

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Olivia Rodrigo - bad idea right? (Official Video)

All-American B*tch

Most relatable lyric: ”And I am built like a mother and a total machine // I feel for your every little issue, I know just what you mean”

Leading the already iconic tracklist, "All-American B*tch" foreshadows the growing pains and base level of dissatisfaction young women often endure. Caring so much about other people who don't return the favor — even when you wish you didn't — can be really uncomfortable, and whether you're shouldering the emotional baggage of an unattached partner or struggling to maintain the cool girl image, "All-American B*tch" hits the nail on the head.

Bad Idea Right?

Most relatable lyric: ”And I'm sure I've seen much hotter men // But I really can't remember when”

If the saying “rose-colored glasses” existed as a lyric, this would be it. In her second single following “Vampire,” Rodrigo falls into the trap of reconnecting with her ex. “Bad idea right?” It’s a tale as old as time. Do we really need to explain more?

The Grudge

Most relatable lyric: “We both drew blood, but, man, those cuts were never equal // I try to be tough, I try to be mean // But even after all this, you're still everything to me”

Seeing the end of any relationship that once meant a lot to you is so, so painful — especially when you still care about the person. Grudges usually have a purely negative connotation, and we love to see how Rodrigo emphasizes how her grudge is one of love as much as it is hate, making it extra bittersweet.

Logical

Most relatable lyric: "Said I was too young, I was too soft // Can't take a joke, can't get you off"

"Logical" is for every woman who has ever been infantilized by someone she adored. Gaslighters beware. Rodrigo’s merry-go-round storytelling highlights the emotional tension between the love she felt for her ex and their emotional manipulation.

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Olivia Rodrigo - get him back! (Live From The Today Show / 2023)

Get Him Back!

Most relatable lyric: "I wanna kiss his face with an uppercut // I wanna meet his mom and tell her her son sucks!"

This song bares the consequences of not immediately hitting the block button when your ex calls. While some of the slower songs on Guts highlight the way love and regret coexist, “Get Him Back!” takes a more upbeat, funny approach that also touches on Rodrigo's frustration.

Love Is Embarrassing

Most relatable lyric: “God, love's f*ckin' embarrassin'”

Another running theme throughout Olivia Rodrigo's Guts? Confusion. But instead of just talking about a partner, Rodrigo's confusion in "Love Is Embarrassing" is also directed towards the nature of romance itself, as well as the lengths we're willing to go for people we tell ourselves we shouldn't care about. In short: yes, love is very embarrassin'.

Pretty Isn't Pretty

Most relatable lyric: "I could change up my body and change up my face // I could try every lipstick in every shade // But I'd always feel the same // 'Cause pretty isn't pretty enough anyway"

Social media, photo editing, and the like have taken a serious toll on the way we see ourselves (after all comparing yourself to the people you see on social media can literally make you more unhappy with your appearance). In what feels like an indirect sequel to Sour's "Jealousy, Jealousy," "Pretty Isn't Pretty" is a reminder that external beauty isn't the end-all-be-all.

Teenage Dream

Most relatable lyric: "When am I gonna stop being a pretty young thing to guys? // When am I gonna stop being great for my age and just start being good? // When will it stop being cool to be quietly misunderstood?"

Rodrigo comes out swinging on Guts' finale (the title of which calls back to a lyric from Sour's opening number "Brutal"). She worries that her glory days are already behind her, and like so many of us, craves to be known, chosen, and loved for exactly who she is — and not for her talent, or her looks, or her brain — whether or not that makes her the ultimate "teenage dream."

What songs are on Guts?

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We first got the Guts tracklist thanks to an Instagram video:

  1. "All American B*tch"
  2. "Bad Idea Right"
  3. "Vampire"
  4. "Lacy"
  5. "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl"
  6. "Making The Bed"
  7. "Logical"
  8. "Get Him Back"
  9. "Love Is Embarrassing"
  10. "The Grudge"
  11. "Pretty Isn't Pretty"
  12. "Teenage Dream"

Are there any music videos?

www.youtube.com

Olivia Rodrigo - vampire (Official Video)

Yes! We've gotten three music videos so far: "Vampire," "Bad Idea Right?," and "Get Him Back!" The "Vampire" music video emphasizes the scrutiny Olivia Rodrigo feels in the spotlight.

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Olivia Rodrigo - bad idea right? (Official Video)

The "Bad Idea Right?" music video totally feels like a scene out of Euphoria — which helps highlight how youthful and chaotic the song actually is.

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Olivia Rodrigo - get him back! (Official Video)

The music video for "Get Him Back!" is genius for one reason: by adding multiple Olivia's throughout the video, she highlights how it feels like there are multiple versions of herself because of how many different things she wants.

When did Guts come out?

Image via Olivia Rodrigo/Geffen Records

Olivia Rodrigo's Guts dropped on September 8 and we cannot tell you how many time we've listened to the whole thing.

When did Vampire come out?

"Vampire" began streaming on all music platforms June 30, while the follow-up single "bad idea right?" was released on August 10.

Who is Olivia Rodrigo?

Image via Emma McIntyre / Staff

Olivia Rodrigo, 20, rose to fame during her role as Nini on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. A talented singer and actress, Rodrigo was launched into the public spotlight thanks to Sour and fans' speculation that it touched on a suspected love triangle between her, her (now ex) BF and HSMTMTS co-star Joshua Bassett and singer Sabrina Carpenter.

While the public has (mostly) moved on from the rumors, Rodrigo’s talent shined and the singer sent TikTok spiraling with the release of “Driver's License,” followed by Sour in 2021.

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Olivia Rodrigo - drivers license (Live From Saturday Night Live/2021)

Today, the three-time Grammy winner is besties with pop culture power players Iris Apatow, Conan Grey, Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Charlie D’Amelio, Maddie Ziegler, and more. She's also shared the stage with celebrity icons such as Avril Lavigne, Paris Hilton, and Billy Joel.

What are your thoughts on Olivia Rodrigo's Guts? Stay updated on all of the latest music releases with Brit + Co.

Lead image Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Spotify

This post has been updated, with former reporting done by Olivia Taylor and Kaitlyn Ingram.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Olivia Rodrigois currently carrying on the expensive legacy of celebrity smoothies. She recently announced a new collaboration with cult grocer, Erehwon, to release a gut-focused smoothie. The drink, appropriately named “good 4 ur GUTS,” celebrates her sophomore album, but also combats those tummy aches you’re being so brave about.

erewhonappsftp.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com

The Olivia Rodrigo Erewhon smoothie is in fact, good 4 u, and will leave you lookin’ happy and healthy because it’s packed full of gut-healthy ingredients.

According to Mashed, the drink contains Health-Ade Pomegranate Kombucha, strawberries, blueberries, mango, acai, Sprout Living Epic Protein Chocolate Maca Cacao Powder, SIBU Sea Buckthorn Puree (what is buckthorn, actually?), ION Gut Support, avocado, Minor Figures Oatmilk, Nature Nate's Pure Organic Honey, dates, and coconut whip.

Image via Erewhon

The $18 smoothie came out in Erewhon stores on December 15, and despite its high ticket price, sippers like Vulture’s Anusha Praturu are saying its tummy-healing properties are pretty legit. Whether you don’t live near Erewhon or are simply curious about making the good 4 ur GUTS at home, be forewarned – the exact ingredients alone will cost you about $182. Here’s a lil’ Erewhon-coded shopping list for you:

If you do find yourself at the ever-luxurious Erewhon to try Olivia’s smoothie, you can feel delighted that some of the proceeds from its sales go to the star’s non-profit, Fund 4 Good.

"[Fund 4 Good’s] initiative is to raise awareness for certain groups that are championing women's issues in America and all of the other territories I'm going to. I'm very excited, and I think it's going to be a very fulfilling and hopefully productive experience," Rodrigo told People in October. "Lots of the money is going to abortion funds to help provide some resources to people who are in need of reproductive healthcare."

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Lead image via Erewhon; photo by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.