Family & Friends Food Traditions

When I first read this assignment I really couldn't think of any food traditions. So, I kept thinking and thinking and once I thought of one the ideas started flowing like crazy. Food is the backbone of a lot of traditions, for the most part, for a lot of families, communities, and cultures. This assignment helped me reflect to a lot of the food-centered traditions that I celebrate with my friends and families.

When I was a kid, my stepfather made waffles every Saturday morning and we would eat them with strawberries, that we picked during the summer, and powdered sugar. Since I have grown up and moved out I definitely don't eat them that often but I still do make them and eat them the same way at least once a month. During the summer I always BBQ at least three to four times a week. Then there are always the Super Bowl parties with the veggie trays and 7-layer dip and fried chicken... and the list goes on. Also, every Sunday morning, after spending Saturday night out with friends, we all meet up for breakfast and bloody marys at a fun Ballard restaurant. I didn't really celebrate holidays when I was a kid but since I have grown up I have spent them with friends and now with my boyfriend and I am getting used to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner and Christmas ham dinners. When my sister comes home from New York to visit or my best friend comes over from Port Orchard, we always go to Tampico’s in Everett for margaritas and great Mexican food. I'm sure there are so many other traditions that I can't even think of right now. I’m sure I'll submit this post and then remember about ten more. :)

Right now, I share a house with my mother and dinnertime is when we both talk about our days and what's going on in our lives and when my boyfriend is over he joins in the conversations. We are all so busy but it's a guaranteed time that we can connect with one another.

I think that food is a big part of a lot of people's lives. It sets a mood and it also can bring people together. It’s kind of fun to notice the connection between foods and moods and environments. It can be a necessary evil and a guilty pleasure all at the same time.