Currant Jelly and Traditions

One of my favorite memories as a child was going to my grandparent's home for Christmas Day. They lived in a brick two story home in Minneapolis, Minnesota on the bank of the Mississippi River. There was always snow on the ground which I have to admit I miss at Christmas. As we pulled into their driveway, my Grandma Alma was standing at the door in her apron anxiously awaiting our arrival. Upon entering their home, the amazing aroma of turkey dinner filled the air. My Grandpa Harry would find quarters behind our ears (his famous magic trick) and take us down to the basement where he would open a bottle of soda for each of the grandkids. Every year the dinner was just the same- turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, peas, etc. Grandpa Harry was from Denmark and his mother had always put a little currant jelly in her gravy which he insisted Grandma Alma do as well. She also made loaves of Julekaka (Danish fruit bread) every year for Christmas.

This tradition continued into my adult years and our children remember wonderful times there too. My grandparents had a house full of cats so our kids referred to them as Kitty Grandma and Grandpa. To this day, our adult children insist on Grandmas Alma's turkey dinner for Christmas. I am not allowed to change anything! The stuffing must have raisins and chopped apples and of course, the gravy must have currant jelly. I make a trip to Larsen's Bakery in Ballard every holiday season to get my cherished Julekaka. It's wonderful toasted for breakfast.

However you celebrate the holidays I'm sure you have wonderful memories and traditions of your own and I wish you and your family the very best!

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