Pinterest tells us that winter hair braids are having a moment. Soft, woven looks are filling boards and feeds everywhere. When we saw the trend, we couldn’t help but smile, because for our family, winter braids aren’t new at all. They’re part of our story.

Ah, weddings — they’re emotional, joyful, and, let’s be honest, a tad stressful! But as the mother of the groom, not that much planning needs to be done. Although the thoughtful bride has included me in various events such as “She said yes to the Dress,” there isn’t much involvement, especially since I live six hours away. However, there’s generally one thing that should be exciting, not overwhelming, and something I have a definite say in: finding the perfect dress.

Whether you're walking down the aisle behind your child, greeting guests, or dancing the night away, your outfit should make you feel confident, beautiful, and completely at ease. But with so many styles, traditions, and trends out there, where do you even begin?

Don’t worry — we’ve got your back. Let’s break it down!

Pierogi, Kluski, Golabki, Chrusciki, Makowiec are delicious words my sisters and I learned at birth from the Polish family we grew up with back in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Polish food is served at our weekly family get-togethers throughout the year, but they have a special meaning for the five of us sisters on Christmas Eve every year.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy  Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year to everyone.  Whatever holiday you are celebrating, be mindful of not allowing commercialization to get in the way of the traditions.  In 2021, everyone panicked about not getting gifts in time due to supply chain issues.  However, the gifts are not what is important.  It is getting together with family and friends with traditions old and new.  When you light a menorah, the seven candles, or the advent wreath, you are strengthening family bonds.  Traditions improve family stability, increase the feeling of belonging, and bring overall better well-being and health.

Growing up in the '60s and 70's in the Illinois suburbs of North Chicago, I was fortunate to be part of a fantastic loving home with two tenacious parents and four amazing sisters. The ups and downs of everyday life, the challenges of a Vietnam-era society, and the life changes that I faced as a young teen made me realize the importance of family.

Holiday traditions were a keystone that helped our family remain connected. The rules around Easter and Christmas were particularly significant. At Christmas, we looked forward to St. Nicklas day, December 6th, where we left our shoes near the front door and awoke to find money in them in the morning. At Christmas dinner, we said a traditional Polish prayer and passed the Oplatek wafer, starting with our father, then on to our Mother, followed by my sisters and me. Each person would break off a small piece and pass it on with offers for peace and prosperity. At Easter, we observed the tradition of the blessing of the Easter food. We would go to church on Holy Saturday, where the priest would bless our basket of food. In that basket, never absent is the cherished Lamb Cake. Made of a firm pound cake and frosted white with a coconut coat is the confectionery treat awaiting those with a sweet tooth. These traditions, along with many more, have been passed on to my daughters while growing up, and it warms my heart that they have said that they want to continue them with their families when they someday have children. As a future Grandmother/Grandma/ Bushi/Nana, I have promised to encourage the passing of the traditions on to my grandchildren.