Sitting down with friends and family to enjoy a special meal is what I look forward to this time of year. Our family, like many of yours, have long-standing traditions when it comes to food – recipes that have been handed down through the generations. Some are carved in stone and untouchable. Others are flexible enough that each generation can leave its own mark. And some, unfortunately, have been lost with the passing of a loved one, along with the opportunity to transfer that knowledge.
Regardless of how we view our family recipes, the time spent shopping, preparing, cooking, serving, and enjoying can elicit a wide range of emotions. In my experience, the highlights of this process are what keep us coming back to these traditions year after year. The stressful or challenging parts are the “admission fee” of having a family.
I hope that this Christmas, you and your family will embrace – and savour – all of the activities that go into your holiday celebrations, and create memories you’ll cherish.
My favourite tradition is on Christmas Eve, when we all gather at the table to share a toast marking another year together, and catch up on what the holiday season has brought us – and what we are looking forward to in the coming days.
I trust that many of you have something similar, taking time to be thankful for what we have despite the challenging years behind us.
We wish all of you a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a Merry Christmas, surrounded by family and friends – and wonderful food.
— Giancarlo Trimarchi
