Family First
by Madeleine “Maddie” Caiazzo
My family loves to tell stories, especially ones of their childhood. My grandfather describes the small and compact tenements he grew up in with his family in New York City. My Aunt Cara boasts of all the delicious recipes my Great Aunt Marie and Great Aunt Lucy would cook, and she attempts to make them the same way. My father explains all the life lessons Great Grandpa Tony taught him when he got into trouble. There is so much to learn from everyone in my family. Still, as the demographics of society change, my family – like many others – becomes overwhelmed with a busy schedule and it is easy to forget that the traditions built into our Italian heritage have a purpose. Traditions bring my family together with love and support through all of life’s challenges and successes.
In this generation, heavily busy schedules for families seem to be the norm. However, a licensed professional counselor explains that overworking and overcommitting can lead to a decline in emotional and physical health with symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and loneliness, among many more. Having so many obligations will lead to isolation, with no time for meaningful relationships. Although stress from being busy is not a new feeling for families, it is starting to take a toll on important family relationships and traditions. With many commitments throughout my childhood, there were long periods when I was unable to see my extended family. One of our traditions of having a Sunday family dinner was overlooked. After facing multiple life obstacles with my family, I have realized how important my family relationships are, along with the traditions that bring us closer together.
My Italian family is always supportive of each other. Although we are now spread out across America, our culture keeps us closely knit. No matter the distance between us, or whether it be good or bad news, we are always all a phone call away. Even our friends who are not blood relatives, we still consider and treat them like family. Dr. Todd Thatcher from the Highland Springs Clinic explains that spending time with family has so many emotional and physical benefits. These include reduced stress, promoting adaptability and resiliency, learning caregiving skills, and many more.
Spending time with family should never be seen as just another event to put on the overbooked calendar. In my Italian family, we are always there for each other. Sitting down at a big dinner table, full of all the foods that have been passed down from many generations of my Italian ancestors, is so special to me. I am surrounded by love, peace, and strength. My grandparents and aunts continue holiday traditions like the feast of the seven fishes on Christmas Eve, stuffed manicotti for Christmas dinner, and baking the Easter and Christmas bread. Even snacks have been passed down, like eating cantaloupe with prosciutto (ham and melon) which I enjoy eating often.
Sitting around the table where my ancestors’ recipes and memories are cherished, those stories that my family loves to tell are told here. I have learned so much about my heritage because of the traditions my grandparents and my father have continued. Through our Italian traditions, we remember our ancestors. We celebrate one another’s great achievements. We stand by each other’s side to stay brave and provide support when there is a loss or challenge. My ancestors used this same tradition of having close family and friends to lean on and support, which is why my family remains so close today.
Even with a busy schedule, I have learned how important spending time and talking to my family is. Sometimes it is just a phone call to ask my grandparents or aunts about one of our older relatives for a school project, but we end up talking for hours. Other times I go to my grandparents’ house and catch up with all my family. Spending time with my family is not just another task of the day. It is time to reflect, rebound, and enjoy. All the stressors of the week can be let go of, and my well-being improves. To preserve the well-being of future generations, I will continue the traditions of my Italian family and remember how my ancestors have supported each other thus far. Closely-knit family and friends will share all the other traditions my family has kept. The recipes that have been passed down from my ancestors will be shared at the table where we uplift and celebrate each other. Despite increasingly busy schedules, my family and Italian heritage will always come first.