Reflections on Traditional Holiday Foods

Do certain foods automatically come to mind when you think of Christmas (or your holiday of choice)? I know they do for me, based on various family traditions. Here are some that spring to mind:

• Sugar cookies, which I used to make a lot for Christmas though I haven’t made them in the past few years, largely because one of my cats would likely want to be involved with me decorating them

• Peanut butter balls that one of my aunts often makes for her Christmas Eve open-house

• Italian pastries, which we often have as a dessert option after Christmas dinner

• Needhams, a Maine staple for dessert this time of year (for those not familiar with them, they’re a candy with a chocolate shell and a coconut and potato filling)

• Peanut butter fudge, using my grandmother’s recipe, is also a favorite dessert

I’m sure I could come up with more, but these are a good representation, and I can’t help noticing they’re mostly desserts.

Separating foods from the holidays

The problem is that these foods can become so connected to the holidays in my mind that I forget I can have them at other times. This makes it all the more tempting to eat lots of them at this time of year, feeling like I won’t have the chance again for another whole year.

In reality, though, I can have these any time I want them, or something close to them, since we have many good bakeries and candy-makers in the area. I could also make most of them myself at another time if I felt motivated enough to. And I can spread my enjoyment of these specific treats over a longer time if my family is willing to send me home with some.

To help me remember that, I try to bring containers with me when I go to eat with my family, choosing extras of my favorite things to take home and savor into the new year. Some are also easily frozen, which is even better. I can pull out a little at a time as I go through the winter months.

Take time with your favorite foods

I enjoy this approach because it helps me not feel panicky around the food, like I need to get in as much as I can at that moment.

Even better, each time I pull something from the freezer, I remember that holiday connection and am cheered by the memories, finding it makes the treats that much sweeter.

Enjoy the holidays!