Creating New Traditions

The definition of a tradition is a custom or belief that is passed down through the generations or done time after time or year after year. An example of a tradition is carving pumpkins at Halloween, eating turkey on Thanksgiving, putting up a tree on Christmas, dying colorful eggs at Easter, and maybe even dressing up your dog in a silly costume with pink bunny ears ― Sophie was a good sport.

Whether you’re a teatime rookie or brew loose-leaf tea every day, the act of making tea is universal.

You boil water, infuse tea leaves, and then enjoy your cup of tea — while creating something or just sitting and reflecting. Or you share your tea with those you love and care about.

The simple act of making and sharing tea can enhance our lives in so many invaluable ways and help us create lasting memories.

I have the most wonderful, loving memories of having tea with my Grandma and Mom.

The silver teapot came out on special occasions and holidays. The conversations we had over those cups of tea brewed in that special pot have stayed with me all these years. We talked about all kinds of things. But one of the best and funniest things were the family stories. These stories are part of my family history, which I’ve had the pleasure of sharing and passing down to my children as they’ve grown. It’s who we are and where we came from, and family traditions are so important to us as a culture. Sadly, both my Grandma and Mom have passed away. But those memories of us being together and sharing tea, our laughter, and our conversations bring me joy.

I’m enjoying passing on this tradition to my family. However, I’m using the silver teapot much more frequently and not only for special occasions. I’m all about creating and making more great memories and not only on holidays.

So, I’m off to polish the silver teapot, so it shines for this upcoming weekend. Polishing silver is not my idea of fun, but it really is worth it. I’ll tell you my little secret to keeping your pot shiny longer. When I’m finished using my teapot, I rinse it with no soap and make sure it’s completely dry. Then I store it in an airtight plastic bag, or you can wrap it in plastic wrap, which keeps it from tarnishing. This works for all types of silver, by the way…think jewelry.

Now to just decide which tea to brew...oh, the choices...

Whether you celebrate Easter, Passover, or another type of holiday, we wish you, your families, and friends much love, joy, and great conversations.

“If you are cold, tea will warm you; If you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.”
― William Ewart Gladstone

Blessings to all.