They call it the quiet time of the year here in Austria. And it’s often the most hectic as many struggle to rush off to shopping streets to get Christmas presents and other necessities.
I am grateful to have a loving husband who loves to go shopping, though often ignores my recommended shopping list. This post is another in my new found project of listing my activities and linking relevant pictures, files or videos. I contain my hectic, by staying home in front of my two screens as much as possible. Of course I do go out and enjoy meeting with friends and especially family.
In fact I am so grateful that my youngest son managed to represent my Austrian family at the Australian Christmas party Down Under today.
How I would have loved to have been there with them, my four brothers and their extended families. Since Mum died and the house sold and torn down, I must admit, I have been feeling a little restless. No house, no home, no motor car.
Life is change.
So this is about the hybrid meeting of the New York Non government organization committee on the family. It was about celebrating holiday and famiy traditions. I was happy to hear how our NY colleagues do not shy away from talking about religion in its relevant contexts. From the invitation:
The NGO Committee on the Family
Invites you to attend a hybrid event
on December 12th on
Celebrating Holiday Family Traditions 2024
Time: 11:30-12:45 pm ET
(See attached flyer for time)
Many different cultures and religions celebrate holidays around this time of year, and the family plays a unique role in preserving and passing on these traditions. Many families create their own family customs as well, which are then passed on to the next generation, which can preserve and adapt them. These may shift and blend through the years, yet they create intergenerational links, fostering a sense of identity and self in the young who feel connected to those who came before them. In an increasingly global world, these traditions provide a connection to the past and guideposts for the future.
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Traditions from Cambodia will be discussed by Rashana Chhin
Traditions from Mexico
will be discussed by Ms. Lily Chhin
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The meeting will provide an opportunity for cultural exchange and community experience discussing family and culture in a holiday context. Attendees will have a chance to share their own holiday traditions during the general discussion. Online participants can share in various ways, such as showing a favorite holiday treat, describing a holiday tradition, or showing your holiday decorations via zoom.
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As culture and food are closely connected, committee members will bring holiday refreshments from their family and cultural traditions, and in-person attendees who would like to do the same are invited to bring a sweet to share.
The in-person event will be held on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, New York City.
NGO Committee on the Family New York
Website: http://www.ngofamilyny.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NGOFAMILYNY
Email: ngofamilycommittee@gmail.com
X (Twitter): NGO Family Committee New York
