'Tis the Season of Tradition

"The only constant is change.”

— Heraclitus

As you know, I have chosen to live in a location in the United States that provides the full experience of seasonal change. And, while you often might find me curled up with a good book on one of those gray days that is a hallmark of my beloved Northeast Ohio, when I’m not reading, my approach is to embrace with enthusiasm change, and the variety it brings.

It is easy to list things we don’t enjoy as fall descends and winter winds start to blow. Instead, let’s have a conversation about what we do like and look forward to. Since we can’t stop the seasons from changing, why not enjoy the variety we are given?

• What are your favorite foods for fall and winter?

I can admit that I love food and have favorites from every season. Yet, fall holds a special place in my heart and stomach. I love apples and the many things you can do with this fruit. I am a bit crazy about pumpkins — the color, the shapes, and the fun of carving and placing them all over.

I have attempted to create a pumpkin patch around every home I have lived in. I will join any family who loves the ritual of going to pick their pumpkins directly from the pumpkin patch.

This year, I was able to tick something off my bucket list by visiting cranberry bogs at the height of their harvest. The colors of fall warm my heart, and I like switching to layers of clothing in soft, comfy fabrics.

• What do you relish about fall?

• Do you have some favorite recipes that use fall foods.

• Do you look forward to seasonal clam bakes?

• What fall holidays do you most enjoy?

• What changes when you start to turn the thermostat up?

• Do you have a favorite childhood memory about fall or winter?

I encourage you to exchange stories with a neighbor or family member about this season.

The race through the many holidays in the fall — and before the year ends — can create a full schedule of activities.

• What events do you host?

• What events hold a special place on your calendar?

• What events within your neighborhood are some of the activities that you have come to looking forward to attending? (Please remember to take a new neighbor along for the experience.)

• Does your lineage prompt you to observe any traditional rituals that you share with others?

I have adopted Sweden as my home away from home. I have traveled there frequently for work and play. When I wander the streets of Stockholm, I feel very much in my skin. So, I have brought many Swedish traditions into my home. In the cold month of December, I organize a Glogg party. I serve the traditional mulled wine and pepparkakor cookies to friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. I make an annual trek to IKEA to stock up on all things Swedish Glogg Party.

My mother kept a pot of Wassail on the stove all winter. I was sent out to the bus stop in all sorts of blizzardy weather with a mug of this spiced, warm cider to chase away the cold. I was the envy of the neighborhood and grew accustomed to sharing.

Like my mother, I, too, keep the makings for Glogg handy all throughout the winter. My Swedish friends make fun of me because I extend the spirit of the Glogg party simply if there is snow around.

May you find and share the spirit of all the treasures that fall and winter bring to your home.

Leslie

P.S. Halloween costumes are a must in our household.

"Halloween is not only about putting on a costume,

but it's about finding the imagination and costume

within ourselves.”

— Elvis Duran