Bites of Happiness: A Soulful Feast

For me, holidays are synonymous with rest and relaxation—a well-deserved pause from the whirlwind of life. Of course, if my mom or husband happens to offer some special food during this blissful downtime, I might not complain. Just kidding… or am I?

Holidays, however, are more than just about lounging around. They are a gateway to nostalgia, taking me back to my childhood when summer holidays meant the arrival of jackfruit season. My grandmother would transform those golden pods into jackfruit pappads. What a joy it was to assist her! Well, “assist” might be a bit generous—let’s just say I mostly enjoyed sneaking bites while pretending to help. But when those crispy delights were ready, it was nothing short of a celebration. As they say, “Happiness is homemade, especially when grandma’s involved.”

Fast forward to today, and holidays have a new flavor. As a family, we come together every Christmas to prepare sweets, turning the kitchen into a bustling hub of laughter, chaos, and the occasional, “Who forgot the sugar?!” It’s not just about the end result; it’s the process that makes it special. Picture this: the entire family sitting together at night, each of us assigned a task, from stirring and rolling to taste-testing (my favorite). By the time we’re done, the house smells divine, and our hearts are full.

After all, “The fondest memories are made gathered around the kitchen.” And holidays, for me, are a gentle reminder that life is less about the grand gestures and more about the shared moments—moments of joy, connection, and, of course, good food.

So whether it’s assisting grandma with jackfruit pappads or rolling out Christmas sweets with the family, one thing remains true: Holidays aren’t just a break for the body; they’re nourishment for the soul.