The North Shore Dish Holiday Traditions By Virginia George
Holiday traditions are fascinating. Every family does things just a little differently, even within the same cultural or religious community, and as the needs of the family change, traditions change as well. The North Shore still reflects the influence of the fur trade, logging, and mining industries that shaped both our culture and landscape. As a result, we have many Indigenous, French, and Scandinavian influences on winter tradition. For me, the most important thing during the winter holidays is to get together with the people I love, eat good food, and laugh. And we always use the good China; even when we’re locked down and the kids request ramen and pizza rolls. Maybe especially then. Tradition is important, and it acts as a bridge between where we’ve been and where we are going. My kids eat Tin Roof Sundae ice cream because it was my grandpa’s favorite. They never met him. We make lefse the day after Thanksgiving because it became a tradition among my mother-in-law’s family 18 years ago. We also go to Glensheen every Christmas to count the elves and hope for shortbread cookies because we get free tickets and vote on our favorite tree. The beauty of tradition is that you can start and stop them however you see fit. So here are a few holiday traditions to try on and see how they fit. I think it started with my dad’s cousins. My grandmother was a second mom to them after their mother died, so our families are close. One day, they took my grandmother to high tea at a tea house in Anoka, MN, and had so much fun that they decided to make it a family event. So, once or twice a year, all the women and girls available would gather and have our own “high tea.” There were 20 or so of us, all gathering in my grandma’s little house in cabin attire and donning fancy old-fashioned hats, at least long enough to take a photo. None of us much liked tea, but we cheerily sat around eating finger sandwiches, discussing which tea we disliked the least, and giggling over whoever it was who ended up with the “bird butt” hat.
Christmas Tea on the Edna G, Two Harbors
The Edna G is a tug that operated out of Agate Bay from 1896 until 1980, save for two years where she assisted in World War I
Enjoy tea, hot chocolate, sandwiches, and dessert aboard the Edna G this holiday season. Christmas Tea on the Edna G occurs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with several tea times offered each day. | SUBMITTED NORTHERN WILDS
DECEMBER 2023
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