One of the biggest lessons that I have learned from genealogy is to discover and apply family traditions into your life style. I don’t think it is enough to simply fill up a family tree chart and be satisfied that you have completed your work. A family tree is important, but more important is rediscovering and passing down key aspects of your family life to the next generation. This creates a true connection to those who have lived before and gives lessons and examples of how to live tomorrow.
Several years ago during my research, an uncle of mine described my grandmother’s Christmas Tradition of making divinity candy. So, that Christmas, Monica and searched the internet for recipes of homemade Divinity Candy. Divinity Candy is a sugary treat made from corn syrup and pecans. It is delicious with coffee and has been a treat for the past three or four years.
Another treat that my family enjoys are from Monica’s family. Her grandmother had a tradition of making “Chewies”. Chewies are basically a brown sugar brownie. This wonderful treat is a nice complement to my tea and I have readily accepted it inot our families traditions.We have enjoyed this treat every year since we have been married.
Passing these treats down to my children are a great way, I believe, to reinforce their heritage. Christmastime is a great time to pass this heritage down and remember the Christmases long ago and imagine how the ancestors lived. I hope that on this Christmas Day, you have been able to enjoy some treats passed down through the generations. If you have, I would love to hear about them in the comments below!