This is about the family get togethers in New Mexico. Marrying
into an Italian family, I had so much fun at these get togethers!
I miss them terribly. There were monthly get togethers, birthday
parties for the younger kids, Christmas get togethers, etc. You
were invited no matter what!! EVERYONE that knew the family was
invited, always! There always seemed to be a house full of people.
Some of my first thoughts on these get togethers:
*Food everywhere - all kinds....Mexican, American, Italian.
Traditional, non traditional, breads - all homemade. Desserts.
Potica bread - oh how I miss homemade potica bread!
(No lie - my mother in law died in the month of October.
At Christmas time I asked my brother in law to check the freezer
to see if there was any potica. Potica bread was a tradition
at Christmas time...).
*The family and friends of the family would get in heated
discussions before meals - whether it be about sports,
politics, whatever. Many times voices were raised, arms
were moving, people were standing to make a point. Suddenly
someone would call out 'DINNER IS READY!' and everyone
would sit down and break bread together, no hard feelings!
*Most of the get togethers were geared towards the little
ones. Tons of gifts with beautiful wrapping paper and
matching ribbons and bows.
*Everyone never sat together. Everyone was always
scattered everywhere in different rooms, at different
tables, etc. No one cared nor thought anything of it.
*In the family room during the appropriate seasons
there was either a football or baseball game blaring.
Those who wished to watch sat in there to eat.
*No one cared if you were dressed up or not, if you
burped, farted, smoked, drank, cussed, or what. It
was a come as you are, be yourself kind of get together -
always!
