As I sit here watching some Christian Christmas musical programs, I holiday memories flood back to me.
When I was young we traveled to my grandparents homes. Breakfast and midday meal were spent at my maternal grandparents and the evening meal at the paternal ones. They lived in the same small town. One Methodist the latter Baptist. Breakfast consisted of fried oysters, square poached eggs, homemade biscuits and jelly. Strange you say, but it was delicious. Lunch was turkey with all of the fixings. Pumpkin, cherry, apple and mincemeat pies awaited us as well as German chocolate cake. There was a special dish we called “Mamas salad”. She whipped real whipping cream until it was stiff and beautiful with white peaks. She rolled peanut brittle on a white cotton tea towel until it was a powder. She folded into the cream and it was like heaven. You didn’t know whether to top your pie or eat it alone. Apparently this recipe goes back many generations. We ate until we were stuffed.
My grandfather’s white work socks were filled with an apple, orange, banana and nuts. A box of chocolate covered cherries from my grandfather was under the tree for all of the females. We then played games, visited with one another and of course clean up and dishes.
Later we would go to Grandma and Grandads house. We would open our gifts. I would always be gifted with two games. Grandma was a retired teacher so learning was very important to her. She was not the cook that Mama was but the meal was served with love. After cleanup and visiting Mom, Daddy and I would head out.
These are memories that I cherish. They taught me the importance of family, love and the reason for the season. The birth of Jesus. My daughter remembers some of these traditions and shares them with her family. When she came along we celebrated at my parents home. The stockings, the food, the love are in her family. My oldest grandchildren have significant others and hopefully will continue these traditions with their families. New memories will be made. Food, love, laughter and family will live on. And yes, “mamas salad” always has a place of honor at the table.
I truly believe in sharing these traditions have empowered us to be the family and people we have become. And we believe Jesus came to love us and save us. He is the great “I am”
Wishing everyone a blessed and Merry Christmas from my family to yours. God bless
Connie L. Hennigh
Believe Share Empower
Believe Share Empower 