Traditions

With the Holidays approaching fast, I cant help getting a little Nostalgic.  A big part of my memory growing up was my Mom's cooking....especially around the holidays, family gatherings and other special occasions.   I was blessed to inherit my mom's collection of over 30 cookbooks dating back to the 1940's! 
I'm in nostalgia heaven today going through some of the recipes she had *Starred off* as a reminder of a "Good One".   You know when you see "Lard" or Spry" you are reading an older cookbook.  My mom's potato salad was to die for and her Turkey Stuffing was second to NONE!  Over the years I've been able to perfect both and carry this tradition forward.   One of the things I loved most about my husband when we first met was his strong sense of "Family" and the level of importance his parents played in his life.  For twenty five years I've been collecting his Mom's and Grandmother's recipes as well.  I'm happy to say, my husband say's I've perfected all of his childhood favorites!  

Another tradition we have is collecting Christmas ornaments every place we travel.  Our two grown sons "got it" and have given us many to add to our collection.......from their childhood "school art" ornaments to current one's from around the globe...Our Christmas tree has a lot of history!  A few others are roasting chestnuts, eating seven different kinds of fish for Christmas Eve (the feast of the seven fishes: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2011/12/13/christmas-eve-italian-style/ an old Italian Tradition), having many different kinds of fruit and desserts after dinner, along with Cappuccino or Espresso.  Drinking Eggnog with Nutmeg while opening presents on Christmas morning is always on the top of our list. 

I know today that having Traditions in my life is extremely important and has given our children stability and the inkling of creating their own family traditions now that they've grown into adults.  Our older son now has his own Thanksgiving Dinner (not on Thanksgiving) with a group of his friends.  They absolutely love and look forward to this gathering every year!  Exciting to see Traditions, in any form being started and carried through year after year.  Making more memories of good Food, Family and Friendship will always be a part of our lives.
What are some of YOUR family traditions?  I'm looking forward to hearing about them all!  Please leave me your comments....maybe they will give someone else a good idea! 
As always, Happy Reading.....and here's hoping you will continue yours or start some new...Teach your Children while they're young!  It really gives them something to look forward to large or small.    Have a blessed day!

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