truLOCAL holiday traditions 2021

We love any holiday at truLOCAL but we especially love the year-end holiday season. To us, December holidays mean more family, more food, and more celebration of our unique traditions than any other time of year. Traditions are important connections to our past and, as we age and raise families of our own, we appreciate how they’ve shaped us as adults. We are so thrilled that the holidays are quickly approaching and want to start the holiday feeling early the best way we know how (No, it’s definitely not by playing Mariah Carey). Grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy reading about some of our staff’s favourite holiday traditions. 

Steph, Alberta

What is your favourite holiday tradition?

My favourite holiday tradition is getting together with my friends and family and just enjoying this magical time of year! Whether it is just sitting by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate, or driving around looking at Christmas light, being with the ones that I love is always the best!

Given that we’re all about the food here at truLOCAL, what is your favourite holiday dish? 

My favourite holiday dish (besides the delicious turkey!) would be a sweet potato casserole with a brown sugar and walnut topping that my Mom makes... I look forward to it every year! (editor’s note, we NEED that recipe!!).

What is one truLOCAL item that you look forward to getting in your truLOCAL box this season?

One truLOCAL item that I look forward to getting in my box this season would have to be the Alberta peppered bacon. Who doesn’t love bacon and the pepper gives it such a nice kick! 

Karine, Québec

What is your favourite holiday tradition?

On Christmas Eve, we love to shuck oysters and enjoy a nice bottle of Champagne and then we eat roast chicken with many sides! On Christmas Day, we eat croissants, smoked salmon, and Italian chocolates for breakfast (ahem, and all day) and for dinner, we enjoy festive Ukrainian cooking (recipes which take a few days of prep to make, such as perogies and cabbage rolls). 

When I moved to the province of Québec many years ago as a child, I was surprised to find out that my friends opened their gifts on Christmas Eve. I was so jealous that they got to open their gifts before me and I had to wait all night until the morning. I thought it was some kind of punishment! This makes me laugh today - Christmas morning is amazing too. My friends also introduced me to the absolute glory of Tourtière, a delicious and very locally-known meat pie that has been around for ages and baked by their ancestors – I strongly recommend cranberry with it - your life will be changed.

Given that we’re all about the food here at truLOCAL, what is your favourite holiday dish? 

I think ground meat of any kind is highly welcomed for both tourtière and cabbage roll recipes! The beauty of French-Canadian and Ukrainian traditions is that they both greatly appreciate ground meat. And who doesn’t?

What is one truLOCAL item that you look forward to getting in your truLOCAL box this season?

I definitely made sure to order a flattened chicken and chicken legs to test out my sauce and chutney-making skills! Tons of poultry roasts ahead.

Morgan, British Columbia and Ontario

What is your favourite holiday tradition?

I would say ham and eggs on Christmas morning and opening up stockings with my family. Food and family are always the way to my heart. 

Given that we’re all about the food here at truLOCAL, what is your favourite holiday dish? 

Not to sound crazy, but I’d probably say ham again. My dad actually calls me “ham head” since I love it so much. Haha.

What is one truLOCAL item that you look forward to getting in your truLOCAL box this season? 

I am looking forward to… HAM… and shrimp and scallops. Yummmmmm. Can’t wait!

James, Ontario

What is your favourite holiday tradition?

There is a Polish legend that on Christmas Eve at midnight, animals can speak so I always stay up just in case my cat has something important to say to me!

Given that we’re all about the food here at truLOCAL, what is your favourite holiday dish? 

All of them? Hmm. I have to say that bacon and eggs on Christmas Morning after opening presents definitely hits a bit different than usual - especially if mimosas are involved. You can edit that part out if needed haha! (Editor: No way, James - that sounds amazing!)

What is one truLOCAL item that you look forward to getting in your truLOCAL box this season?

My mom doesn't like lamb. Growing up I never got to really try it, but when I tried lamb as an adult, my world was changed. Now, I always get extra excited when rosemary lamb burger patties are in my box - I have to make up for lost time!

Steve, Ontario

What is your favourite holiday tradition?

When I was young, my family would travel to the homes of different family friends on Christmas eve. Now that I am older, I have become the host to such a party where I open my home and welcome all of my local friends. We have not hosted this tradition since the beginning of the pandemic and I hope that one year we can bring it back. This year will be focused on just my immediate family. 

Given that we’re all about the food here at truLOCAL, what is your favourite holiday dish? 

Our tradition is that I cook an elaborate breakfast for my family on Christmas morning after we all open presents. This is another tradition from my youth that I really liked and wanted to continue with my kids. I serve eggs in several different ways, bacon, sausage, hash browns, many different types of toast. Christmas brunch, surrounded by my wife and children, is my favourite meal of the year. After reading James’ amazing idea of including mimosas, I may try a new holiday tradition. 

What is one truLOCAL item that you look forward to getting in your truLOCAL box this season?  

I am getting a prime rib roast and scallops for Christmas dinner. Oh, and Ontario just launched maple bacon and beef bacon so I gotta try those!!

Each of us is the keeper of our family record passed down through generations with our stories and traditions. The holidays tend to bring out more whimsy and nostalgia but we think that you should just go with it - December is always amazing. Everyone is nicer, happier, and every Amazon package you forgot that you ordered is a complete surprise! If you want to read some of our other staff's answers from a while back, check out our other blog. From all of us here at truLOCAL, we wish you an incredible holiday season no matter which traditions you practice. Stay safe and stay kind.

Article by: Steven Tippin

Posted on January 18th, 2023