As we approach Christmas day it seems nothing is as it should be. We hear the constant reminder from the talking heads on television telling us not to travel this season, stay home, avoid crowds and wash your hands.
I’ve yet to talk with anyone who is excited about this but most of my family and friends are going to try to avoid the chance of getting the coronavirus by being a part of large groups.
Yes, it’s sad but if our faith is strong we know we can put any date on this holiday season and as long as we are with family and friends it can be Christmas. The thought of spending the holiday alone is sad enough but the loss of a loved one because of one day makes no sense.
Earlier this week a friend sent me a link to holiday music entitled “The Yule Pot.” Over 6 hours of music recorded by Italian artists. The memories of listening to this music growing up brought tears to my eyes. My mother played this music from Thanksgiving to The Feast of the Epiphany every year. She cranked up the Zenith console stereo in the living room and sang along with whatever was playing, well except Frank Sinatra. For some reason she was not a Sinatra fan and was quick to say she preferred Dean Martin and Perry Como.
Our house was alway decorated in some non-traditional fashion for the holidays. From early in the 60s it was a six foot pom-pom aluminum tree that sat in a base the turned the tree in constant circles with a color wheel that changed the colors from red to green to yellow to blue. It was really cool! By the 70’s it was a white flocked tree from Hawkins Greenhouse. A very pretty tree but not very traditional.
The tradition was the house smelling of Italian food being prepared for every Sunday dinner. Upon returning from Mass on Christmas it was time for the Holiday Dish “Pastachina.” The only holiday menu item of my entire youth. It was served every New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. What a great tradition! Tiny meatballs layered with mostaccioli noodles, red sauce, mozzarella cheese and those damn hard boiled eggs. The casserole was then baked in the oven until the cheese looked perfect ("perfect" is open for discussion.)
Originally Grandma Grace prepared the Pastachina with the help of my mother. After Grace’s passing my mother maintained the tradition until she no longer could manage.
It’s funny how listening to this music has made all of this seem like it was only yesterday. The traditions and the memories speak of a time when family meant so much. We know a family tradition can be made of any day of the year.
As we wait to celebrate this wonderful day with family and friends we must know it will be another opportunity to add to our memories. There will be stories of what could have been and what we’ve learned. But with a blessing we will all be together for a day of happiness, talking of past holidays snd future events and another day of great food.
The “American” additions to the family require a menu of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole and some things I’ve never heard of. Ann has kept the Italian tradition alive as she prepares the Giudicessi version of Pastachina (her grandmothers would be proud) and I can continue to have one of my favorite dishes.
So stay healthy and social distance, wear a mask in crowds and wash your hands!
I wish you and your family a special holiday whenever you choose to celebrate.
Stay santa-tized!
December 23, 2020
For some Italian Christmas music join me at “The Yule Pot”….. https://yulepot.com
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