From My Mama’s Kitchen – “Home for the Holidays”
A Celebration of the Heart with a Gift from the Soul!
Some of us already realized this and others will for the first time experience it as well; that is, the kitchen will be the most important room in the house in the coming weeks.
Regardless of whether it is a modern day designer’s kitchen or just one of the so called “timeless” efficiency kitchen, it is its time to claim center stage, as it will serve as the hub for the transformational loving energy that will bind families and friends alike during this holiday season.
Known as the heart and soul of any home, the kitchen is the place that will serve as a wonderful backdrop where you will always find abundance of joy and laughter of family and friends reminiscing and sharing meaningful communication from knowledge gained to lessons learned.
As you already know, you do not have to know how to cook to be drawn into the kitchen as your five senses will eventually draw you straight towards it once the mouth watering aromas starts to fill the air.
My late Southern Belle mom Eleanora, once eloquently described to me that being in the kitchen is like being a mother; it is about creating something special. It requires patience, a happy attitude, and a touch of love. It is the perfect blending of all these ingredients that ultimately produces a signature dish.
Since we now live in a global village and with the lifestyle to match, where families can only get together during special occasions, the holiday seasons have become more meaningful than ever. Although there are many of us who are fortunate to have a family to spend the holidays with, there are those of us who are less fortunate due to various reasons. We are the ones that over the years are able to find home from within our own hearts. Then, there are among us who are fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the family holiday spirit thanks to the generosities of our friends.
Whatever the situation may be for you, if we can all take a moment to be mindful perhaps we can truly experience the true holiday spirit as it is meant to be experienced.
For Mothers – they cannot wait to have the family back home together to break bread with.
For Children – believe it or not, you mom will always be more excited to see you than you are of seeing her.
For Singletons – for those who are fortunate to have the generosity of a friend’s invitation to be with their family, be very thankful for the love you are receiving.
For those who will be by yourself, always remember that you are never alone. Home is where the heart is, and be very thankful that you have made it this far and happiness and glee is always generated and experienced from within.
For the Families who will be celebrating this holiday season together with their loved ones – I would like to share with you what my Cajun mom Ginger, told me a long time ago – “The natural life can always be funny and humorous. The most ordinary events usually end up being the sweetest memories. Being present during the small moments will always make us appreciate the happiness when it happens.”
For the Families and Individuals who have graciously opened your hearts and homes and to those who are contemplating on doing so – I would like to share with you what my German mom Dianne, told me a few years back – “Every once in a while a situation may occur that requires us to radiate our energy of positive goodwill, compassion, and love for others. Until we try to put ourselves beyond our comfort zone, we will not realize we have what it
takes to make a difference in that person’s life and in ours.”
For those of us who will be spending this holiday season by ourselves – I would like to share with you what my Malaysian mom Nyah, told me just before I left home to come to the United States – “Since childhood you have been and will continue to be exposed to all kind of experiences. Some experiences, good or bad, will stay with you for the rest of your life. However, it is how you manage them that will ultimately determine your idea of success and happiness, or failure and sadness in your life. Always remember you are never alone, and although food may fill your tummy and the camaraderie of friends gives you a sense of belonging, it is the loving energy you generate from within you that will nourish your mind, body, and soul. This spiritual grounding is what will ultimately touch the heart and move the soul of others.”
Finally, here is my wish to everyone during this holiday season:
Health – makes all things possible.
Wealth – makes all things work.
Love – makes all things beautiful.
May You Have
All Three.
Johnny Tan
Author of From My Mama’s KitchenTM
“food for the soul, recipes for living”
Johnny Tan created From My Mama’s KitchenTM concept to honor his 9 incredible moms who changed his life, and to honor moms everywhere by bringing “motherly love” to the global center stage by recognizing the significant roles mothers play in making a positive difference in our daily lives.
To read more recipes for living – please click here to purchase From My Mama’s Kitchen-“food for the soul, recipes for living” book, and help us make a positive difference in our preferred charities.
Our weekly From My Mama’s Kitchen Talk Radio Show (FMMK Talk Radio) on Blog Talk Radio also serves as a resource center for mothers everywhere by bringing inspirational, spiritual and motivational stories from our special guests of ordinary moms doing extraordinary things. All shows are archived. Please click here to listen at your leisure.
Thank you for helping us spread this wonderful unconditional gift of “Motherly Love” to everyone you know!