Ben Harper’s Post

The History of the Feast of the Seven Fishes: A Christmas Eve Tradition 🐟 As the holiday season approaches, many Italian-American families look forward to one of the most beloved traditions: The Feast of the Seven Fishes. But where did this festive, seafood-filled meal come from, and why does it hold such a special place in Christmas Eve celebrations? The Feast of the Seven Fishes (or La Vigilia) is a long-standing Italian tradition that celebrates Christmas Eve with a meal focused on fish and seafood. It’s rooted in the Catholic tradition of fasting and abstinence from meat before Christmas Day, offering a symbolic reflection of spiritual preparation. 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 While the exact origins of the "seven" fish are debated, the number is believed to have spiritual significance, often representing the seven sacraments of the Church or the seven days of creation. It’s a celebration not just of food but also of faith and family. 𝗜𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻-𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The tradition has its roots in Southern Italy, particularly in coastal regions where fresh seafood was abundant. As Italian immigrants arrived in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought this tradition with them. Over time, the Feast of the Seven Fishes became a hallmark of Italian-American culture—a way to connect with heritage while celebrating the holidays with loved ones. 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 Although the number of dishes can vary (some families serve 9, 13, or even more!), the meal typically includes a variety of seafood like baccalà (salted cod), fried calamari, shrimp scampi, stuffed squid, clams oreganata, and more. Each dish is an expression of Italian culinary traditions, passed down through generations. Today, the Feast of the Seven Fishes has evolved beyond a religious tradition to become a cultural celebration for food lovers everywhere. It’s a time for families to gather, share stories, and enjoy the finest seafood the season has to offer. As you prepare for your holiday gatherings, consider how this age-old tradition could bring new meaning to your own celebrations. Whether you follow the classic seven fishes or mix it up, the Feast is a beautiful reminder of the importance of tradition, togetherness, and delicious food. Check out our selection of fish and seafood to elevate your holiday dinner! https://lnkd.in/gbs68emt

Deck the Halls... and Your Stomach! 🎄✨ Thinking of adding a little Nordic cheer to your holiday season? Look no further than #Helsinki, where Christmas magic isn’t just a vibe—it’s a full sensory experience. Imagine this: twinkling lights, cozy market stalls, and the faint smell of glögi (aka #Finland’s answer to mulled wine). Yes, you’re already picturing yourself with a warm cup in hand, braving the winter chill like a happy Finn. From Christmas markets loaded with treats to festive lunches that make you wonder why you ever settled for basic holiday spreads; Helsinki knows how to do Christmas right. As December rolls in, the city transforms into a wintry wonderland where every corner, café, and market square bursts with seasonal cheer. Finns embrace this cozy season with a knack for indulgence—spending slow lunches with family and friends, savoring creative twists on holiday classics, and supporting local artisans who bring fresh takes to traditional flavors. So, if you're craving a holiday experience that’s equal parts tradition, taste, and twinkling lights, it’s time to head to Helsinki. Come for the Christmas spirit, stay for the food, and leave with a heart (and belly) full of festive joy. Pro tip: don’t skip the glögi. You might just end up bringing the recipe back with you… because one cup is never enough. I'm drinking glögi as we speak (is it not like water during November-December?) 😉 What is your favorite Christmas tradition? #whyhelsinki #modernpr #citymarketing

🎄🥃 Kicking Off the 2024 Holiday Bourbon Exchange! 🥃🎄 To all my bourbon-loving friends: it’s time to spread some holiday cheer, build connections, and (let’s be real) stock our cabinets with liquid gold. How it works: 🎁 You only have to buy ONE bottle of bourbon (valued at $55 or more). 🎁 Send it to ONE secret bourbon lover (I’ll give you the details). 🎁 Then sit back and wait for your bourbon bounty—anywhere from 5 to 25 bottles—depending on how many bourbon enthusiasts join in! Yes, it’s that simple. 🌎 It doesn’t matter where you live—everyone is welcome to join the fun. Just ensure you’re ready to send your bottle so we don’t leave any sad bourbon drinkers behind. That’s just not the holiday spirit! Pro Tip: Skip the hassle and order online! Some great sites for bourbon delivery include: 👉 Caskers 👉 Instacart 👉 Spec’s 👉 Total Wine Want in? 👇 Comment below, and I’ll send you all the details via DM. If anything is unclear, just let me know—I’m here to help! Let’s make this year’s exchange legendary. Happy Holidays and Cheers!

Instead of #marketingmonday, today we are thinking about the evolving nature of holiday traditions. The holidays are a time for cherished traditions - but as life changes, so do the ways we celebrate. Whether it’s swapping a big family gathering for an intimate Friendsgiving, baking new recipes instead of old classics, or starting fresh traditions with your loved ones, every moment becomes part of your unique holiday story. This year, we’re embracing the joy of blending old and new traditions. How are your celebrations evolving? Share your favorite holiday traditions, old or new, in the comments - we’d love to hear your stories! Wishing you a holiday season full of love, laughter, and the perfect mix of tradition and change. #detailsmatter #traditionmeetsinnovation #daytonohio #makeanimpression #brandisourbusiness #holidaytraditions #evolvingtraditions #holiday2024 #merryandbright

 Kicking Off the 2024 Holiday Bourbon Exchange! 🥃🎄 To all my bourbon-loving friends: it’s time to spread some holiday cheer, build connections, and (let’s be real) stock our cabinets with liquid gold. How it works: 🎁 You only have to buy ONE bottle of bourbon (valued at $55 or more). 🎁 Send it to ONE secret bourbon lover (I’ll give you the details). 🎁 Then sit back and wait for your bourbon bounty—anywhere from 5 to 25 bottles—depending on how many bourbon enthusiasts join in! Yes, it’s that simple. 🌎 It doesn’t matter where you live—everyone is welcome to join the fun. Just ensure you’re ready to send your bottle so we don’t leave any sad bourbon drinkers behind. That’s just not the holiday spirit! Pro Tip: Skip the hassle and order online! Some great sites for bourbon delivery include: 👉 Caskers 👉 Instacart 👉 Spec’s 👉 Total Wine Want in? 👇 Comment below, and I’ll send you all the details via DM. If anything is unclear, just let me know—I’m here to help! Let’s make this year’s exchange legendary. Happy Holidays and Cheers!

Tea and Holidays: The Perfect Pairing As we gather with loved ones during the holidays, there's nothing like a warm cup of tea to bring us together. Whether it's a snowy winter evening or a sunny summer celebration, tea can make any moment special. Gift Ideas for Tea Lovers Looking for the perfect gift? Consider giving the gift of premium tea. A beautifully packaged selection of teas from around the world can delight any tea enthusiast. You can also include a stylish teapot or a set of delicate tea cups to complete the experience. For something extra special, how about a tea subscription box that delivers new and exciting teas each month? Festive Tea Recipes Tea isn't just for drinking—it's also a wonderful ingredient for festive recipes. Try making a refreshing iced tea punch for summer gatherings or a warm spiced chai for winter festivities. You can even bake with tea; green tea cookies or Earl Grey cake can be a unique and delicious addition to your holiday spread. Sustainability and Climate Change However, it's important to remember the impact of climate change on tea production. Changes in weather patterns are affecting tea-growing regions, leading to fluctuations in quality and yield. Many tea producers are now adopting sustainable practices to combat these challenges. By choosing teas from brands committed to sustainability, we can support these efforts and enjoy our favorite beverage guilt-free. Join the Conversation What are your favorite tea gifts or recipes? How do you incorporate tea into your holiday traditions? Share your thoughts and let's celebrate the joy of tea together!

#Turrón", one of #Spain's most cherished Christmas traditions. Christmas is a season rich in deeply rooted traditions in Spain. A recent study by #Suchard sheds light on the customs that remain central to holiday celebrations in Spanish households. "Turrón", a traditional Spanish sweet, plays a special role in the holiday season. Made from almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites, this hard nougat is a symbol of Christmas in Spain. Its origins trace back centuries, influenced by Arabic culinary traditions. Many view the arrival of turrón on supermarket shelves as the unofficial start of the season, alongside other iconic treats like "polvorones" and "mantecados". Powered by Presspage, leader in #software for newsrooms and investor relations. #commtech #IRtech

One of the most exciting things about the holiday season? The gifts! No it's THE FOOD 🍽️ ! It’s more than just a meal—food is a reflection of culture, family, and tradition. Let’s take a quick culinary tour of Christmas meals around the world: 🇮🇹 Italy: Christmas dinners in Italy are often a grand affair, stretching across multiple courses. Expect Panettone (a sweet bread), Tortellini, and a rich variety of regional dishes that bring families together in celebration. For many Italians, this festive meal isn’t just about food—it’s a symbol of hospitality and the importance of sharing moments with loved ones. 🇲🇽 Mexico: In Mexico, the holiday season is vibrant and full of flavor! Tamales, bacalao (salted cod), and other traditional foods grace the table, especially around December 12th, the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. 🇸🇪 Sweden: The Julbord is a traditional Swedish Christmas smorgasbord, and it’s a feast to remember! From herring and gravlax (cured salmon) to ham and an array of desserts, the meal is all about togetherness. 🌟 The key takeaway of the day is: Food is a universal connector, and offering or sharing culturally appropriate meals is a wonderful way to show respect and foster inclusiveness. Whether it’s respecting dietary preferences or honoring the culinary traditions of others, food plays a pivotal role in creating warm, welcoming holiday environments. What’s on your festive table? Any traditional holiday dishes from your culture that you hold dear? Share in the comments below! 💬

Kicking Off the 2024 Holiday Bourbon Exchange! Word is, that last year’s exchange was a huge hit—connecting bourbon lovers, creating amazing memories, and even supporting worthwhile causes. Let’s make this year even better! To all my bourbon-loving friends, spread some holiday cheer, build connections, and stay hydrated. How it works: You only have to buy ONE bottle of bourbon. Send it to ONE secret bourbon lover (I’ll send you the details). Then sit back and wait for your bourbon bounty—anywhere from 5 to 25 bottles—depending on how many bourbon enthusiasts join in! Yes, it’s that simple.  It doesn’t matter where you live—everyone is welcome to join the fun. Just ensure you’re ready to send your bottle so we don’t leave any sad bourbon drinkers behind. That’s just not the holiday spirit! Pro Tip: Skip the hassle and order online! Some great sites for bourbon delivery include: Caskers Instacart Spec’s Total Wine Want in? Comment below or send me a DM, and I’ll send you all the details. If anything is unclear, just let me know—I’m here to help! Let’s make this year’s exchange legendary. Happy Holidays and Cheers! #2024HolidayBourbonExchange  #SpreadTheCheer  #BourbonLovers  #HappyHolidays

Thank you Business Insider for these conversation starting articles! I'm not a huge drinker but I don't feel uncomfortable around people who are. I'm not bothered at all by drinking, actually. Nowadays I sell liquor-related products. During #lockdown I watched a lot of #wineindustry livestreams. Learned a lot about wine-tasting and the liquor industry in general (like how Veuve Cliquot got started!). My thoughts on this #article are that she should focus less on the alcohol and more on the opportunity to make friends. Why not Share an anecdote or ask about the persons favorite drink and why. Going into a situation with an open attitude rather than feeling threatened or isolated could be a game changer. #social #resorts #relationships  https://lnkd.in/ecjcYwXG