Family Traditions are an integral part of healthy, happy families and food plays a central role in these traditions.
In my family we have always had special family traditions that revolve around the holidays. These traditions inevitably involve food. Food bring people together and gives them a common ground for sharing stories and memories.
Food is also a great reminder—when I pull out an old recipe, I think about where it came from. I think of the people who shared the recipe with me and about those who enjoyed that particular recipe the most. I’m reminded of friendships, laughter and sometimes even tears.
When I bake Christmas cookies, I enjoy remembering the stories behind the baking. I think of my sister Debbie, who is no longer with us. I remember her smile and laughter as I bake date-nut pinwheel cookies and scalloped potatoes; I remember the year I hid some of the cookies away so they wouldn’t be eaten before Christmas, only to find them the next year under the counter still in their cans.
Traditions give the gift of memories and good memories are priceless gifts to share with the ones we love.
Family Traditions - Christmas Baking is a Recipe Book I put together for my family to pass along our Christmas food traditions. I thought others might enjoy some tried and true recipes which might just become a part of their family traditions and a part of their treasured memories.