Celebrating

What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?

I used to spend huge amounts of cash on holiday meals. It was one meal, many many one celebration meals, full of tradition and family and deliciousness, there were so many! Were they worth all the time, trouble and money?

Absolutely.

I couldn’t have known then, that those days and with them, those little kids, and all the extended friends and family would pretty much disappear too.

I love my memories of big family meals. I actually enjoyed all the extra work, (with the exception of cleaning ahead of time, deep cleaning has never been my favorite, but it was fun to have a super clean house afterwards, so no regrets there either). My kids helped me shop, prep, decorate.

Every sort of celebration birthday, holiday, accomplishment had its own food, and decor and fun aspects to get inspired by. I don’t know why I find this kind of thing so fun, but we all did.

We had some amazing meals over the years. work? fun? I can’t explain it. I have funny memories of my little capable sou chefs sitting on the counter peeling potatoes, shucking corn, grating cheese. I’d maneuver around, baby in a carrier, kids all over the place helping, music playing, how did they understand all the dynamics of aesthetics and food? They just knew what was important or I guess went along with it. Not surprising that they all grew up to be great cooks who love to celebrate!

One time we prepared for their younger brother’s Star Wars party. My daughter paper macheted a remarkably believable Death Star piñata. The whole week before was our own party. Costumes, they decided would be optional, but for them, super important. Cutest four year old Han Solo ever!

I’m glad for all the time, work, mess, and chaos. I loved piling food in the grocery cart and so did my helpers. I’m so glad for the memories, which funny enough, are more from getting ready, than the actual meal itself.

Worth it? Oh yes! Completely!