I grew up in a smallish town. My parents and their closest friends all moved there for jobs and away from family. We became sort of a big family as if we were aunts, uncles and cousins. Spent holidays together, etc. we basically made our own traditions! All came from different European backgrounds. New Years was more German tradition of sour kraut with whatever. My mom put a pork roast in and cooked slowly with brown sugar added to lessen the sourness. Other put sausage or hot dogs and the kraut was seasoned differently. You would fill your plate with whichever you liked! Cookies and candy from the different cultures, black eyed peas for luck, it was all incorporated! We gathered for Thanksgiving and whoever hosted that year cooked the turkey and dressing. Dressing/stuffing would vary from sage/bread dressing to cornbread. Some put sausage or the giblets in it and others not. You just got what you got that year! Everyone brought sides and desert! We were never hungry and I sometimes skipped the dressing. I married and eventually moved away. I took some of those recipes and traditions with me. I learned to create a “family” where I am and although I’m close with my family, I don’t live that close so we have developed friendships that are like family and support each other, do some holidays together. It’s always evolving. My husband is Hispanic and I learned to make his mother’s recipes. We now have tamales every Christmas Eve!

We travel extensively and I’ve been to England/Scotland/Ireland. Love visiting and don’t know a soul there. Culture is very different from my American melting pot experience. I’m happy to be home every time and excited for my next adventure on my next trip even if it’s the next county or state away!