Holidays
We especially love the togetherness of the holidays. Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the three biggest we celebrate. We also love Halloween. Dressing up, handing out candy and decorating for the spooky season is one of our favorites. We always get together with our families for these times and I relish decorating the house and yard for them. Being with those closest to us and sharing the time, food and love through these days are the best parts of the holiday seasons.
Easter
As a child, I cherished coloring Easter eggs with my family. The "Easter Bunny" would hide them overnight, and we'd excitedly search the house the next morning. After church, we'd gather at Grandma's, where the aroma of buttered baby carrots filled the air. Now, Easter is my holiday to host. Jason smokes the ham beforehand, and after church, we glaze and reheat it. Our dinner is simple; Mom contributes her famous potato salad, and we indulge in Portuguese sweet bread for dessert. Easter holds a special place in my heart, a tradition passed down and now celebrated with loved ones.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving holds a cherished place in our hearts, celebrated with our families, alternating sides to enjoy this glorious feast. My contribution is always my pumpkin pie, crafted with my Grandma’s buttery crust recipe and homemade pumpkin puree. At Jason's, we enjoy playing with our nephews as the turkey smokes and the sides cook. With my family, we bond over football games while preparing the feast, then gather to savor the delicious spread. We eagerly anticipate passing on this tradition to our child, fostering a legacy of gratitude and togetherness for generations to come.
Christmas Traditions
Christmas is a cherished occasion, especially for us. On Christmas Eve, we join Jason's family for a memorable dinner, followed by a heartwarming gift exchange around the fireplace. Later, on our way home, Jason and I attend midnight mass then snuggle up for the night. Christmas morning begins with a leisurely breakfast and coffee, then we visit my family. There, we enjoy appetizers, exchange gifts, and share laughter around the dinner table. These traditions hold immense value, and we eagerly anticipate passing them on to our future child, bringing them up in the love and joy of the season.