This week ends with many of us celebrating a religious holiday, including Passover and Easter (to name a few). Happy holidays to you, whatever you choose to celebrate! It’s a time to gather with friends and family, to attend services and reflect, to enjoy special meals and to have some fun. There are many unique traditions and customs celebrated this time of year around the world, often in place for so many generations that we’ve forgotten their origins. For example, I understand why bunnies and eggs are associated with Spring, but why Easter? And where did the Easter Bunny come from? Santa Claus makes sense to me but a bunny delivering eggs and candy seems odd! I’ve read that German folklore brought these symbols to the Americas and then, well, we “Americanized” them! 😊
A friend of mine was talking about Peeps earlier this week, and an ongoing debate that starts this time of year. I think we are all familiar with Peeps, the colorful marshmallow confections that have been around for over 60 years. The originals were either pink or yellow and shaped as either a bunny or chick. Over the last several decades, Peeps have exploded to different flavors, shapes and have even crept into Christmas and Halloween. There is a lot of passion around these marshmallows. People either love them or hate them, there is no in-between. The people that do love them will argue passionately about what’s best, traditional or a new flavor, the shape or fresh from the box or stale after sitting in an open Easter basket. The debates are endless, but good natured. We all have different preferences and are willing to stand by them and that’s ok!
To Peep or not to Peep may be a question this weekend. It’s great to have choices and the freedom to make them. Choice makes our lives better and gives us variety, and that, after all, is the spice of life. I should know; remember, I am Indian, I like spice. 😊 Not everyone does, just like not everyone likes a Hot Tamale flavored Peep (yes, they do exist). 😕 For the record, I do NOT prefer them!
While preferences are good, they can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they help us to create a sense of individuality; we don’t have to agree with other preferences, just accept them. On the other hand, sometimes we may become so stuck on our preferences that it may be hard to try something new. Like anything else, we should find balance between supporting our preferences and being willing to try something different at least once. As for Peeps, whether you love them or not, they are a fun and festive holiday candy that can add to the spirit of the season.
So go ahead and indulge in your preference, or who knows, maybe it’s time to try something new!
“Never be afraid to try something new, because life gets boring when you stay within the limits of what you already know.” – Anonymous
Happy Holidays to all.
-Vijay