OKAY, IT’S CHRISTMAS EVE. I could post a recipe here, I suppose. But even if you were inclined to add it to what you have already planned, would you have the time, energy and open stores to track down ingredients and put it together? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Instead, I’m going to share a holiday story with you.
It’s not even a new story. If you’ve followed Blue Kitchen long enough, you may recognize it. Yeah, I’m that guy, the one who tells the same stories over and over. Ask my kids. Ask the long-suffering Marion.
But it’s a good story, about my maternal grandmother’s childhood on a farm and a simple, treasured gift. Remembering it always makes me feel good, reminding me of this strong woman in my young life and of what the holidays are really about—or should be. You’ll find my grandmother’s story here. I hope you like it. Happy holidays, everyone.
Wishing you both a wonderful Christmas!
Merry Christmas to both of you!
Both my grandmothers reminisced about oranges in their stockings too. They were considered an exotic treat. The world has changed so much in less than a century; I always put an orange in stockings to keep the stories alive. I love your recipes, but please keep the stories coming too. They are important and appreciated. Merry Christmas.
As any genealogist will tell you, those stories of yesteryear are priceless.
Happy Christmas to you & yours!
Thanks, Anita and John! Hope you and your families have a lovely Christmas.
Jeri, it seems that oranges have played a role in many families’ Christmases. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Happy Christmas to you too, Julie. Even though your Mum is gone, she will always be with you in your heart.
Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, Terry!
even though e.e. cummings is one of my favorite poets, i’d never read “little tree” so thank you for that gift.
I hope the new year brings you much love, good food, great wine and all the joys life has to offer.
Ah Terry … your lovely retelling of your grandmother’s evocative Christmas story has become an annual must-read for me. Such a wonderful reminder of the richness in our lives – and the things we take for granted.
And because of Dani’s comment, I just read the Cummings poem “little tree.” Another gift that keeps giving.
Wishing you and the fam all the best this Christmas day and in the new year to come!
Merry Christmas to you too, Dani! Isn’t that a lovely poem?
Thanks, Ronnie Ann. Here’s to a wonderful 2015 for all of us.