Traditions, New and Old, with the Library

A few days before Thanksgiving, my cousin posted something on Facebook about jellied cranberry sauce. She was reminiscing how her mother and my mother always put it out for holiday dinners regardless of its popularity, or lack thereof.

On Thanksgiving morning, I continued to work on cooking Thanksgiving dinner. As I was mashing potatoes and slicing the jellied cranberries, I realized that the menu was one that would be easily recognized by my grandmother or mother. Earlier in the week, I asked my nephew if his new wife had any special menu requirements. I reminded him that he had eaten at my house for Thanksgiving many, many times before, and the menu would be about the same.

Apart from a lack of imagination, what is the point of this story? In a previous blog post, I introduced the concept of culinary literacy and how it is important for libraries to play a role in growing these skills. In addition to all the points previously made, food and food traditions help tell the story of my family and my family’s traditions. But sometimes traditions are just trying something new and doing it repeatedly!

Clearly, my menu preparation might need refreshing. The Library has several great resources to provide inspiration and imagination to your holiday menus. A quick search of the Library catalog finds several great resources. Perhaps most convenient are the eBook resources, many of which are always available, along with this list of recipes from online magazines.

Maybe you’d like to listen to holiday music? “Merry Christmas!” by The New Christy Minstrels was always playing in our house when I was growing up. Our copy was lost years ago, and I never thought I’d hear it again…until I found it on Freegal Music. MCPL’s Freegal Music allows you to stream playlists created and curated by libraries all over the country. Currently in the featured playlists section are several fall, winter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday playlists. The best part about Freegal Music is that you can download five songs every week to keep.

Whether you’re recalling traditions spanning many generations or creating new traditions for this holiday season, the Library can be a great resource for you and your family. Find more suggestions of how MCPL can help you celebrate the season.

Happy Holidays,

Steven V. Potter
MCPL Director & CEO