With finals wrapping up here at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, most students are so excited to have a break. Early December and ready for the holidays. Philosophically, friends and family are the true key to happiness. Traditions keep the memories alive.
For most students, this time with their families is the only time they really have to see them. With school, jobs, and just life getting in the way, time spent with loved ones has become limited.
Arianna Backes has tried to keep her family traditions alive from memories of her great grandma. Backes’ Great Grandma came to the United States through Elis Island and brought her Italian heritage with her. Growing up, every Christmas meal was grandma’s secret recipe of cheese and raisin raviolis. In 2011, Arianna’s great grandma died but the family still makes her recipes.
The family is very proud of their Italian heritage when asked how important is spending time with people over the holidays Backes’ said, “It is very important to my family. My immediate family and extended family all meet up in Northern Wisconsin to spend this time together. We make my grandmas recipes, play Rummy, and watch Daddy’s Home 2.”
These traditions have been around for years so when asked how did these traditions start? She said, “Well, my great grandma started the ravioli making and after she died all the kids kept that memory of her alive. Rummy is a card game that my parents and their siblings got into, so when all the grandkids started to become old enough, we all started to play. And Daddys Home 2 started when my cousins watched it and showed the family. It is a very funny movie centered around Christmas time.”
Life can become very busy very fast; it is important to take a step back and think about family and what is important. Even the smallest tradition can mean the world to people. As Aristotle once said, “Friends love each other for their own sake, and they wish good things for each other.” Just like we can do for family.
Writing related photos:
Rolling out the ravioli dough onto tray.
Poked uncooked ravioli before getting boiled.
Secret sauced starting to be made. Ravioli’s cooking
What they look like when done.
Final Presentation.
Her family invited me in to try them!
Video related Photos:
Jack and his girlfriends Christmas tree.
His sister and his stocking that his parents put together.
All the presents he has for his family.
Video would not post because it is too large.
Leave a Reply