I’m having a go at writing something to submit to Brevity‘s “Holiday Smile” competition.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the entries that’ve gone up so far, and so many revolve around food. Special foods that are unique to this time of year. It’s the same story I’m trying to write in my attempt – I guess I knew that foods were important to people at Christmas, because gathering around a meal is the focal point of the day. But to see how many memories are particular to the food is surprising. (Mine is jam. Things in jars. A more recent holiday tradition in my family).

I also thought that a ‘smile’ themed prompt would result in almost entirely photograph-centred memories. The times when we turn and break from ourselves, putting a smile on for prosterity.