Growing up, with family gathered around on days like today, my grandmother would open her arms into the air and say to all of us “Abbondanza!" —usually around the feast we’d prepared with plenty to share. While she was literally referencing the great abundance we had before us, more importantly, she was calling attention to the good fortune we had to enjoy it and celebrate our togetherness.
Her voice, belting “Abbondanza!”, has been ringing through my ears these past couple of months as we head into the holiday season. It’s as though she’s reminding me of how much I have to be grateful for. As per usual, she couldn’t be more right. While this year has brought highs and lows, I’m focusing on the great abundance of love, support, and happiness I’m privileged to have in my life.
In Italian, the meaning of abbondanza is physical (like a feast) but its true essence is a fullness of the soul, with nothing left for want. So my greatest wish for you and your loved ones is Abbondanza —just like my grandmother would wish for our family!
Happy Thanksgiving, and I can’t thank you enough for being part of our wonderful Palermo community. <3
Ciao,
