My favorite Christmas Present. Ever.

By Rachel

Here's an idea for all y'all. Several years ago as my grandmother's health was declining I panicked thinking that if we lost her, some of our favorite meals might be gone forever also. I suggested to her that she create a recipe book for us. It turned into much, much more.

In the beginning it was a beautiful book of rememberance. Grandma Jane included stories and pictures from throughout her life. There is one photo of my mother as a baby being held by both of her grandmothers. What a gem! Grandma Jane was divorced, but she made sure to include pictures of our grandfather and his parents as well. Many of the recipes were photocopied, written in her handwriting probably 40 years ago. She also included some of her mother's favorite recipes, as well as having each of her daughters and granddaughters submit a favorite recipe with a picture of their families. This book is such a treasure trove of heritage.

Books were distributed at Christmas to each girl in the family. I think I can speak for all of us and say that these books are amongst our most prized possessions. Sadly, we lost Grandma Jane the following year. I think we all have been able to maintain a closeness to her through this book, however. My daughters and I love to look through it and see what her life was like. The Christmas following her death, we decided to make a yearly tradition. Each Christmas, each family submits a new recipe along with pictures. We anticipate our new recipes as much as anything else under the tree. I love seeing how my cousins, aunts, everyone have changed, how the kids are growing, what people are eating. Some of the recipes I will likely never make, but I treasure them nonetheless. This is a testimony that the best things in life don't require money. Just lots of love. And yummy food...