Have been batch cooking for the freezer since 9am this morning.
Do I love cooking? I Wouldn’t say I love it, but I like food and I like experimenting using recipes as a guide. Like the OP I find food preparation therapeutic, especially when accompanied by a nice glass of wine or fizz.
I am not a proficient baker however, I have a couple of foolproof cake and desert dishes that seem to go down well.
Christmas cooking makes me smile as I have fond memories of making Christmas puddings, cakes, mince pies etc., with my Grans.