Yes, your family drives your crazy this time of year— as do your in-laws, your co-workers and even your kids—but stop for a second to reflect on the ‘wonderful’ chaos
Memories of Holidays Past By Jeanne Muchnick
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Above: Jeanne with her mom and sister at a Chanukah celebration circa 1993.
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ou know it’s not going to be a good holiday when you start tearing up in the canned food aisle. That’s where I found myself, the first Thanksgiving after my mom’s death, on a hunt to recreate everything she used to make. She was “famous” for her green bean casserole, despite the fact that I’m pretty sure the recipe was one she got from the can of French’s brand Original French Fried Onions. Still, I was determined to bring her back by reliving all the smells and aromas and rituals she went through, even though it meant standing in the aisle of Food Emporium listening to the sounds of other shoppers talking about their family plans and complaining – yes, complaining!!! -- about how many family members they had to cook for. I remember those conversations I used to have with my sister. Which parent was more annoying about making us keep our napkins on our laps and demanding we not answer the phone during dinner, how our Dad liked his mashed projectyou
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