Growing up in Delta, B.C., one of the cherished memories from my childhood is the tradition of our family dinners. Seated on a small beige mat, we would enjoy delicious Pakistani meals together, with dishes like biryani and butter chicken often taking the spotlight. These gatherings were not just about food but about coming together as a family and celebrating our cultural heritage passed down from my father’s upbringing in Lahore.
As time went by, the busyness of life caused my siblings and me to drift away from these family dinners. It had been over a decade since we last sat on that familiar mat. However, during a Thanksgiving dinner when I was 23, the nostalgia of our past tradition struck me. I invited my friends to join us, and we recreated the circle on the ground, sharing a meal just like we used to.
The evening turned into a heartwarming experience as my father, witnessing the revival of our tradition, joined us on the mat. This moment not only brought together our diverse cultural backgrounds but also bridged the gap between our heritage and Canadian customs. Inspired by this gathering, my father decided to bring back the tradition, and we now make an effort to prioritize family dinner time, whether on the mat or around the dining table.
The simple act of sharing stories and food on that beige mat has strengthened the bond within our family, reminding us of the importance of togetherness amidst our busy lives. Whether on Thanksgiving, during the holiday season, or any time of the year, these moments of gathering have become a cherished part of our family legacy that we intend to pass on for generations to come.