SPECIAL GIFTS
One Invaluable Gift of Love and Caring
Keeping alive memories of family and country
My immigrant Aunt Violet has survived her five sisters, my mother included. As she ages in New York, she no longer visits her nieces and nephews scattered in many States. Yet, every Christmas, she sends us the rich, dark, rum-laden fruit cake that reminds me of Guyana and childhood Christmases, when I helped my mother shell and grind nuts for her baking. Despite her frailty and frugal finances, my aunt reinforces the precious memories of our homeland.
Food, reminiscent of home, has continued to comfort and cheer all those away from it.
We cook at Christmas to celebrate our families, but we also create traditions and rituals. When life is uncertain, or we are homesick, a taste of home can increase our well-being and give us hope for better times.
May you enjoy a Christmas dish that will always evoke the warmth of family. Happy holidays!
