The Gift of Food – Holiday Traditions

Even for those who shun tradition and ritual the rest of the year, Christmas is one time we often return to the security of its fold.  Holiday traditions resonate with the imprimatur of time; they become a part of our identity, writing out family history and reflecting cultural heritage.

As we seek to put our own stamp on tradition and imbue celebrations with our own sense of style, the irresistible variety of both savory and sweet homemade edible gifts one can lovingly prepare becomes a noteworthy concept.  Many in the islands feel that homemade gifts are the best, and edible gifts are the best of all! It is easy to become highly domestic at this time of year as many of the visible tokens of celebration are, in fact, projects that are both relaxing and pleasurable.

It may be wonderful jellies or jams, aromatic breads, cookies and candies, special dressings for salads, a seasoned salt, sugar flavored with vanilla beans, or vinegars seasoned with berries or herbs.  There are butters, sauces, condiments, liqueurs, spiced nuts, and cakes. You are limited only by your imagination

A good part of just about anything is the presentation.  It is a visual sort of thing. However simple or small the gift, beautiful wrapping makes it just that more special; the packing becomes part of the present.  A velvet sack, a simple box, or basket can be both wrapping and gift. Hard to wrap items can be sheathed in fabric, tucked into baskets, or encased in netting.

Why not combine your food gift with another gift?  Offer cookies in a jar or seasoned salt in its own shaker.  Place a loaf of bread on a breadboard or set muffins in a basket lined with a holiday gift towel.  Tie a unique spreader around a crock of apple butter. Give a gift certificate for ice cream with a jar of homemade chocolate sauce!

The heart of Christmas is giving.  We may bemoan the commercialism of the holidays, but generosity still underlies the essence of the season.  We recognize the pleasure in choosing a gift we hope will delight the recipient and take joy in bestowing it.  Homemade gifts are invested with thoughtfulness. Perhaps both making and giving is the true spirit of the season…