22 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com /CharlestonWomen Holidays are often steeped in traditions passed down through generations. Whether it’s lighBy Maggie De Vriesting a Menorah, decorating a Christmas tree, cooking family recipes, bringing in the new year with a kiss or making a champagne toast on Valentine’s Day, the memories made always have some hallmarks of the past. I visited with four women, diverse in age, occupations and family dynamics, who were delighted to share their holiday traditions with Charleston Women. Perhaps you will see a little of your own family in these traditions or discover the ideas you’ve been looking to add to your special occasions. CHRISTMAS WITH AN ARTIST Local artist Judy Haas paints a multitude of different subjects, be it still life or nature flying right off the canvas. However, Christmas decorations and wall hangings are some of her most favorite ways to get creative. When she and her husband were raising their two sons in their much larger home in Indiana, they decorated not one, but seven Christmas trees. When the oldest son married and moved to Dallas, he took all seven trees with him, complete with decorations. Talk about continuing traditions. The family also always made Christmas cookies, which expanded into gingerbread houses made of graham crackers, icing and candies when the grandchildren came along. Moreover, among the hosts of Christmas fare, Haas’ grandmother’s date pudding became a family staple that the family has agreed to share with our readers. Her maternal grandmother passed down the recipe — and being a fan of dates and nuts myself — I surely will be making this one. DATE PUDDING Ingredients: • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 cup sugar • 2 tbsp butter • 1 egg • 1 ½ cups flour • ¼ tsp salt • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 cup chopped nuts • ½ cup brown sugar • ½ cup chopped dates • ¾ cup water • ½ tsp vanilla extract Home for the Holidays BY MAGGIE DE VRIES Charleston Women at Home A Judy Haas holiday piece
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