DAD'S Log: Holiday Tip - Slow Down for Family Heritage

Ahhh…the holidays…sooo relaxing and stress free! And then you wake up…with a trillion things to do and places to go. Of course I am overestimating…I’m not talking deficits here.

If I may offer a tip regarding the holidays…have you considered slowing down and taking time for family roots? (Please do not dye your hair.)

When I was growing up, the holidays were a time to embrace and celebrate our family’s Polish heritage and culture. Our family would make a few family dishes and gather to share the food and time with each other. This is something I would like to continue and nurture in our family and to integrate my DW’s Italian heritage too. Kielbasa Parmigiana??? Yikes…this integration may require some thought!

You see…what we are now…is due to our past. One thing that was instilled in me was the importance of family and our heritage. Gathering around the dinner table…laughing…sharing…reflecting on life. Seeing the changes another year with mom and dad and family has brought.

I hope in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season you have some time to slow down…talk…embrace…and enjoy your family. Pull up a seat..grab a few Pierogi…a dab of sour cream…some sweet bread with butter…and a nice steamy bowl of Kapusta…and simply take the time to enjoy all of God’s blessings.

MOM SAYS: You can incorporate cultural traditions into holiday celebrations by:

Making a traditional dessert
Playing cultural music
Reading your children a Christmas folktale from your country
Making ornaments that represent your culture

So how do you maintain your family heritage?

Kapusta recipe anyone?

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T Rex Mom

Wednesday 10th of November 2010

Isn't it interesting that food plays such a major role in one's culture?For us, we always make tamales the weekend before Thanksgiving and then we have them with our meal. We freeze the rest for Christmas gifts and also for Christmas dinner. And always beef. That's somewhat of a departure but most of us are allergic to pork - mostly because we inherited that gene from my mom! I think that makes it even more family specific.We have a couple other things we do during the year, but this is just one example and specific to the holidays.