This Christmas season, I think of my grandmother, whom we called Nani, a Hindi word for grandma. Despite her disabilities, she made sure to create lasting Christmas memories by coming to our house to make traditional Indian gujias, a kind of pastry with a sweet filling inside. Gujiyas are filled with golden raisins, cardamom, thickened milk, and sweet coconut. Their delightful aroma filled our home, heralding the start of the holiday festivities.
My sisters and I were tasked with crimping the dough after filling the rolled dough with the special mixture. Under Nani’s guidance and using a special tool, we rolled Gujiyas, managing to communicate beyond our language barriers. Although Nani couldn’t speak English and our Hindi was basic, our shared activity in the kitchen brought us closer together, transcending the need for words.
The joy of these moments was heartfelt and profound. For Nani, seeing her grandchildren, something she once thought impossible (she thought she would pass away before seeing her youngest daughter’s kids), was a source of immense happiness. My mother was filled with gratitude, her prayers answered as her mother had the opportunity to spend time with her children. For us, her grandchildren, the times spent with Nani were precious, learning from her wisdom and grace.
Nani was a beacon of strength and love in our family. My most memorable memories of her include her prayer ritual, where she covered her head, folded her hands and prayed for each family member. She never left our home without praying for each one of us. Her influence and the tradition of making Gujiyas continue to resonate with us, keeping her spirit alive even after she passed away.
As the holiday season comes around, we find ourselves wrapped in a sense of joy and wonder, reflecting on these loving memories. These memories, rooted in our family traditions, reflect the broader essence of Christmas. Our family gatherings, overcoming language and cultural differences, remind us of the story of Christmas, where celebrating the birth of Jesus brings us all together. This message of love holds a special place in our hearts during Christmas.
As we celebrate, we feel a stronger connection to these values. Through acts of kindness and enjoying the simple pleasure of being together, we feel closer to Christ. In memory of Nani and inspired by our faith, we continue to share love and joy, embodying the true spirit of Christmas.
Lauryn Singh is a senior in high school and finds wonder in building community and spending time with her loved ones.