Tag: baking

Don’t let the true magic of the holiday season get lost in the whirlwind and glitter of this busy time of year. Looking past the flurry of shopping days and mountains of gifts, holidays are a time of creating new memories and reflecting upon treasured moments of years gone by. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, we often take for granted the many exquisite traditions that quietly fill our holiday worlds. These traditions are very much worth tending to and passing on, for they carry within them the invaluable glue of love and family. It is our holiday traditions that are often most evocative of our heritage and the varied, rich histories passed down from prior generations. The word "tradition" is derived from the Latin verb traderere, which means to hand over, to transmit, or to give for safekeeping. And, so, it is our traditions that allow us to hold on to meaningful customs and rituals from the past that are deeply connective in nature.

It’s no surprise that the holiday season can be a stressful time of year. Not only do we have the usual responsibilities—such as our jobs, childcare and household chores—but we have to squeeze in time for all of that holiday cheer. That’s right, I’m talking about stringing Christmas lights, decorating the tree, baking cookies, buying presents, writing Christmas cards and spending time with friends and family. Although most of these activities are meant to spread joy, we often find ourselves too busy and exhausted to enjoy them. That’s why it’s especially important this time of year to provide strength and support for each other.