In general, we value things more when we create them ourselves.
This evokes powerful feelings ofnostalgia, reinforces our common bonds, and brings us closer to one another.
Whatever the specifics, food traditions can become something you’ve got the option to rely on.
Sergio Marcos/Adobe Stock
This makes food traditions so appealing.
As a result, celebrating these food traditions can bring about special memories of family members or family events.
If you’ve never made them from scratch before, it’s a process.
My cousins and I would all go to her house to make them with her.
My cousins and I always had so much fun going to my grandma’s house.
We joke about matzo ball soup made from the box mix too.
It’s just not the same!
Because this memory is so special to me, it’s one I hope to continue with my daughter.
Sammi Haber Brondo, M.S., R.D.
Judaism is all about upholding traditions, and the edible ones make it all the more fun.
Monica Auslander Moreno, M.S., R.D.N.
(Both sides of my family came from northern and southern China.)
Noodles symbolize longevity, and the longer the noodles the better.
Dumplings symbolizewealth, and are a lucky symbol in Chinese culture.
Some are filled with chopped shrimp.
The texture of the dough is light, airy, yet chewy.
Every single bite is full of flavor and deliciousness.
This became a family tradition for every Lunar New Year celebration, and that memory stays with me forever.
ChihYu Smith
4.
We usually make a hundred dumplings or more, and it takes hours.
The dumplings are cooked in small batches once they’re wrapped, so they remain juicy and fresh.
And of course, everyone would get a second or third round, washed down with cold beer.
It’s always a memorable moment because I see some of my relatives and cousins during that time only.
It makes me feel at home and gives me the warmth of good time spent with family.
Maggie Zhu
5.
Roxana Ehsani, M.S., R.D.
She also added some freshly whipped butter to the broth, which I devoured within seconds.
Alisha Khan
7.
Traditionally in Japan and even today, many shops are closed [for a certain amount of time].
Families make osechi and eat it over this period.
Hopefully, they too will carry the tradition when they have a family of their own.
It transports me back to Japan immediately!
Namiko Chen
8.
Regardless of what other dishes are on the menu, black-eyed peas are nonnegotiable.
It allows me to feel connected to my family even when we’re apart due to distance.
When I think about this tradition, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude.
Breanna Danielle Brock
9.
An ever-evolving sour cream pound cake
For my family, it is truly the art ofbaking.
My grandmother was an avid baker and passed down several incredible cake recipes.
It was a wonderful ritual.
It feels good, and it feels part of my heritage.
Baking cakes definitely brings happiness and excitement.
Jocelyn Delk Adams
10.
Maple syrup at the first sign of spring
A favorite family food tradition is making homemade maple syrup.
My grandpa made it with his brothers when he was a kid.
Today, my brother and I each carry on the tradition with our own families.
We love maple syrup days.
Its not a fast process, but it is a satisfying process.
We hang out with family and friends, cook food, and enjoy being outside in the springtime sun.
The whole family chips in.
I keep making syrup every year because I love it.
Also because my grandpa did it.
He is one of my best friends, and we do all sorts ofoutdoor adventurestogether.
Laura Mason
11.
The amazing thing about this dish is that every family has their own style and flavor.
My mom’s rice is different from her sisters.
And I appreciate those little changes and specialties that make it so important.
We use it to celebrate just about everything, so I associate it with family and sharing happy moments.
It’s literally the first food my husband ate when he met my mom.
It’s not just food, it’s an identity.
Thisriceis such a warm hug, and makes me feel light and happy.
Catherine Perez, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.
It was time to celebrate.
I always look forward to spending time with family while connecting over our favorite food.
It’s the best time, really.
It makes me feel pure joy, warmth, and love.
Valerie Agyeman, R.D.
As a child, I looked forward to this tradition the most during my winter break.
My mother would make chocolate chip, peanut butter, and sugar cookies.
It makes me feel nostalgia, happiness, joy, and gratitude.
Dominek Tubbs
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
