At midnight on December 31st, 2018, the world bid farewell to the old year and hello to the new. I heard the fireworks going off and imagined the revelry going on around our neighborhood and lovely city; friends toasting with champagne, couples kissing, children, who had fallen asleep awaiting the peach or crystal ball to drop, being carried to their beds. Everyone would eventually follow suit, possibly drifting off to sleep thinking of resolutions to consider in this fresh new year of 2019.

Some were sure to put the black eyed peas in a pot of water to soak overnight before turning in with anticipation of securing a prosperous new year by accompanying them with collards the next day. Hot cornbread would be added to the table, and maybe a sweet potato casserole would round out the traditional meal. After all those holiday sweet treats this would be a welcomed respite for those hungry for some REAL food.

Tradition. The word seems to have fallen from grace in recent years, but not in our family. There is something comforting about the “sameness” of things we return to every Christmas and New Year. It turns our hearts toward family as we gather together and provides opportunities to reminisce and give honor to loved ones who have passed on. We look back with fondness and sometimes hysterical laughter at past holidays that have imprinted wonderful memories on our minds. Memories like going to the same play for so many years that we can finish the sentence of each character and still roar with laughter at every punch line. Opening gifts, playing games and now the annual (and very competitive) gingerbread house decorating contest keep tradition alive and well in our family!

Let the traditions continue and new ones added as we anticipate more sweet memories to be made in Christmases to come…more New Year’s celebrations to enjoy….                    

ALWAYS remembering that “EVERY good and perfect gift comes down to us from our Father above.”

Into the New Year, dear family…