God Jul

During the holidays it seems that tradition, nostalgia, and ethnic roots shine brighter than at other times of year, and the Scholl family is no exception. On Christmas Eve our house turns into a Scandinavian stuga. We feast on traditional smorgasbord fare, including limpa (brown bread), bundost, geitost (cheeses), Swedish meatballs, rice pudding, cucumber salad, pickled herring, hard tak, fruit soup, and almond pudding for dessert. When I was younger many of the flavors were repulsive to me, but now, after 24 years of smorgasbords, I look forward to the familiar flavors and smells. Every spoonful of rice pudding and forkful of meatball reminds me of Eves at my grandmother's house, conversations with cousins and siblings, and antiqued photographs of our immigrant ancestors. It is our beloved tradition, our favorite food, but most of all--it is our heritage. God jul och gott nytt år!