A few of my most magical memories of holidays include those from the days when canvas parties were the norm during childhood. Waited through the process of lighting the menorah each night and playing dreidel with family about canvas parties while gifts were given. I remember one particularly vivid year, where 'canvas parties' stretched across our house and across all our friends, families, and relatives.
I helped my mom make traditional food like potato latkes, and Afana soups, because the house was now covered with so many decorations celebrating cultures, therefore it could breathe a festive aura in every air. We lit the present necessary things and before going to the meal, blessed as the sun dipped low into the horizon.
Late into the night, we played games like dreidel, exchanged gifts, and some other things. I remember that feeling of giving and receiving gifts and the warmth of being amid loved ones. The noise of laughter and music filled the room, and it was a fraternal and happy sense in such an amazing manner.
I remember when the night ended, and I felt content and grateful for the time spent with family and friends. Those have remained the memories from that canvas party celebration which have been sealed in me over the years and never fail to make me smile at their thought. Indeed that was a magical time, a rather special time which I would always hold close to my heart.
