Growing up in a home that celebrated the holidays as an Italian American Family always presented an interesting challenge for my Mom.
Holiday dinners were always an Italian based dish my Grandmother brought with her from Italy. Something called “Pastachina” a casserole with mini meatballs, mostaccioli, red sauce. hard boiled eggs and mozzarella cheese layered in a large bowl and baked in the oven.
It wasn’t until I was in high school that I had turkey for Thanksgiving. The Fettkether family hosted Tech High students for Thanksgiving dinner. While I found the dinner interesting it never approached the taste or tradition of Pastachina.
As life moved on I celebrated many holidays as a member of the US Army - never once did they offer anything Italian for the holidays. It only lived in memories.
My mother learned the ingredients for Pastachina from my grandmother and continued the holiday tradition long after my grandmother passed away. My Dad always declared Mom’s Pastachina was as good as his Mom’s.
Time passed and I had children who grew up enjoying Mom’s Italian cooking. Ann learned the secret to preparing the family’s holiday dish and has been blessed with continuing the family tradition.
Italian cooking wasn’t the only thing that made each holiday an Italian Tradition. Music played a part in our family lives. There were so many Italian singers who topped the charts with everyday hits and holiday carols. My parents had albums from all the major artists.
While most members of the family enjoyed Frank Sinatra, Mom never liked him. She preferred Dean Martin and Perry Como. Her favorite holiday song was “(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” by Perry Como The song played over and over every Christmas season.
This year marks the tenth year since Mom passed but her memories live on. Ann still treats us to “Pastachina” and we still play Perry Como’s “(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays.”
This holiday season provides us a selection of Christmas past and a celebration of Christmas present. While many things remain the same so much has changed. Shari no longer travels cross country and spends her nights at home. It will be her first year not worrying about the weather, travel delays and hotels and missing out on family activities.
Mom and Perry Como still brighten the holiday season with song and memories. Shari will add to the traditions and memories spending the holidays at home.
May you be blessed and your Holiday Season filled with joyful family memories and a song that takes you back to a beautiful place in your life.
Merry Christmas!
December 2022
“(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” by Perry Como.... https://youtu.be/hjI122syGzk
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