Yet these same relatives may not feel as reluctant about sharing memories if the mood is set over a holiday meal. As you prepare for the holidays, remember the unequaled power of the five senses to stimulate memories. Taste Food is an integral part of holiday celebrations. Look for the origins of the traditional recipes that have been served every holiday since you can remember. It's fun to break out the old recipe box when older family members are around.
Food has a strange way of triggering memories and leading conversation to people and times past.
You might want to rekindle a forgotten tradition by serving an old recipe this holiday season. Smell Our sense of smell provokes strong memories. Maybe it was grandmother's baking, or the gingerbread that was your aunt's specialty. Peppermint smells may remind you of grandpa and his favorite candies. Pine may be the memory of the years when the family went out to cut their own Christmas tree.