I am the kind of person that loves everything about the holidays. The traditions, the smells, the decorations, the shopping, oh how I love it! The only downside to my favorite time of year is that I tend to over indulge…just a smidge. Okay, maybe more than a smidge. Cowboy says that I have no self discipline or control. Pfft. What does he know about self control? Just because he can tell himself “no” about something and stick with it doesn’t mean he’s an expert. However, I absolutely agree with him and I will not apologize for my “lack” of it. I’m a firm believer that lives are meant to be indulged…just a smidge.
I eat too much turkey and dressing on Thanksgiving. I can’t stay away from the delicious desserts at Christmas. And don’t even get me started on the food I eat on New Year’s Day, black eyed peas excluded.
Let’s talk about those black-eyed peas for a hot second… I know they are good for us, but good to eat? I don’t think so, I’ve never seen a pea that looked good enough to eat. If I’m being totally honest with ya, I’ve only eaten one pea in my life. That little pea changed my taste buds forever. It was forced on me so I ate it…just one. And this is when I became a non-believer when it comes to the black-eyed pea tradition and story. But if you’re family follows this tradition don’t let me talk you out of it in the years to come.
You do you.
How can something so horrible tasting bring such prosperity?
I decided to do some hard research on this topic-
ME: Dear Google, please tell me the story of the horrible tasting black-eyed pea.
GOOGLE: Tammy, you are such a smart person, I’m sure you already know the answer and I agree with you, they taste terrible but I’ll explain in detail.
Oh Google, you had me at smart…
GOOGLE: Some say the idea of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s started at the time of the Civil War…Peas were considered animal food and not fit for Union soldiers. That meant peas were the only food that was left for the Confederate forces and families to eat. These Southerners considered themselves lucky to have a meal in the dead of the winter. Most people will tell you they add cabbage or collard greens with their peas to ensure additional prosperity. The green leaves represent money.
Well heck… I guess this is where I side with the Union solders. I’ll just skip the peas and eat the leafy cabbage and collard greens.
Cowboy and I wish you the happiest of New Year’s and hope you have as much prosperity that you hope for…with or without the black-eyed peas.
’til next Sunday y’all- ππΈ, π£πͺπΆπΆπ β₯
