Why Holidays Are An Opportunity To Appreciate Who We Are.
The Importance Of Our Cultural Elders
Forget the decorations, shopping, and cards. The holidays are about more than just food and the Christmas tree.
It’s an opportunity for families to come together and bridge the gaps between generations.
They’re about creating memories coated with laughter, stories, and whispers of wisdom from those who’ve seen the seasons turn many times before—our cultural elders. Some of us are lucky to have them, and some of us aren’t. If you are, then good for you because these elders are the living libraries of our family.
Our Cultural Elders
Their memories are overflowing with tales of achievement, mischievous childhood pranks, recipes, and the reasons behind that age-old family feud. They are the keepers of tradition and our culture.
Their words are seasoned with the memories that give us reasons for our family traditions.
Their wisdom is as fresh as the holiday meal you probably look forward to every year. Each shared heirloom, each story, is a brushstroke on the canvas of our family’s history. The chipped frame holding that family portrait isn’t just a window to understanding what our forebears looked like; it’s a reminder of how far we have come. The faded photograph isn’t just a black-and-white portrait; it’s a glimpse into the lives that came before and an uneasy reminder that one day our descendants will stare at our portraits.
The holidays are a chance to step back, to appreciate the threads that bind us together, and to sip from the wellspring of wisdom that flows from the hearts of our cultural elders. They give our holiday season more flavour. Whether it’s a specific way of decorating, a traditional ceremony, or a unique way of expressing gratitude, these rituals often embody the core values and beliefs that define a family’s cultural heritage. Learning about and participating in these rituals allows younger generations to connect with their roots and understand the profound significance they hold.
And then there’s the food—oh, the food! Each dish simmering on the stove is a poem penned in spice and flavour, passed down through generations by whispered instructions. It is more than just a cooking lesson; it’s an opportunity to carry the torch of culinary tradition.
Inter-Generational Dialogue
The real magic lies in the conversations and in the space we make for inter-generational dialogue.
Beyond the tangible aspects of artefacts, rituals, and recipes, the conversation itself becomes a wellspring of wisdom.
Our grandparents often impart not only practical advice but also share the intangible values that have sustained their families through generations.
They hint at their expectations of us. They shape our character. From resilience and gratitude to the importance of community and compassion, these conversations offer a blueprint for living a purposeful and fulfilling life.
Their examples and stories aren’t just anecdotes; they’re threads woven into the fabric of who we are. They teach us resilience in the face of adversity, remind us of the importance of community and laughter, and whisper the secrets of living a life rich with purpose. My grandfather often told me stories of his father’s bravery and those stories gave me the courage to be brave.
In the spirit of the season, let’s create space for inter-generational exchange. We should recognize that the wisdom shared by our elders is a precious gift that connects us to the essence of who we are. And as the holiday unfolds, let’s put down the phones, push away the screens, and gather around the living chronicles of our families. Let’s encourage younger family members to interview their grandparents. Record their stories, capture their recipes, and create a living archive of family history.
Embrace More Than Just The Festivities
It's a gift that keeps on giving long after the holidays are over. We should embrace the opportunity to learn from the cultural elders in our families, from their stories-turned-traditions, and the tastes promised in their shared recipes.
These enrich our present and guide our future. This holiday season, let’s celebrate not just the lights and the laughter but also the generations of stories and traditions that make our families truly unique.
