Remembering Grandmama

Both Thanksgiving and Christmas were my Grandmother‘s forte. She prepared the turkey, dressing, and most sides for many years. She enjoyed this time, even when it was stressful. She would complain or fuss about some things, but go on about her work (sometimes, we thought she fussed for fun). She loved the company and the hustle of the season.

Eventually, my grandmother let others start bringing sides and desserts and even gave up her roll-making crown to my dad. In the two years before she died, my aunt took over the hostess role and my grandparents just enjoyed being surrounded by family and not doing all the work. Even so, many of my favorite memories of the holidays happened in their kitchen. I miss them most this time of year.

The holidays are about celebrating relationships, expressing gratitude, and sharing joy. I learned these values at an early age when I saw my parents and grandparents welcome others and create memories. I observed this attitude in action beyond the holiday season. Everyone had a place at the table, figuratively and literally. 

As I shop for presents, make the food, and decorate the house, I often think about how I learned those values, in hopes of passing them on to my own children (and someday, years from now, their children). 

• The perfect gift is one given with consideration. Though I can remember specific gifts over the years, the amount of thought, time, and energy my grandmother invested speaks volumes louder than the object.
• Decorations are less about perfection and more about making and preserving memories. In recent years, the kids have taken over more of the decorating, especially putting ornaments on the tree. We have several ornaments made by my grandmother and a few ornaments that were special to her that she passed on to us when they moved out of their house. We get to talk about those memories and make new ones as we decorate.
• Cooking and preparing food provides nourishment to the body, mind, and spirit. Because of our family traditions, food allergies, and busy schedules, I make treats throughout the month. The kids are included in all of this and we have the best time!

This year, more than others, I want to keep these values front and center all year long. Each day is a precious gift and a luxury. Many years ago, I heard a song on a Sesame Street Christmas special, that sums up this idea. “Keep Christmas with you/ All through the year/ When Christmas is over/ Save some Christmas cheer/ These precious moments/ Hold them very dear/ And keep Christmas with you/ All through the year.”