#Microblog Monday 383: Mishloach Manot
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For most of my adult-ish life, I’ve made mishloach manot for Purim. Except the last two years. I delivered all of my mishloach manot before COVID hit back in 2020 — I was early that year — but no one was dropping off packages last year. And even this year felt too soon. Like the world wasn’t ready for cookie deliveries.
I made a double batch of hamantaschen for Josh and ChickieNob, and chocolate chip cookies for the Wolvog (like me, he doesn’t groove on fruit in pastry). And called it a day. I didn’t attempt to go to a Purim event at shul. I just sat at home and read a book, like every other night.
It made me sad, but it also made me relieved. Making hundreds of cookies and candies every spring was exhausting, and I don’t have energy to spare right now.
But I miss that feeling when the last ribbon is tied and all of the packages are lined up at the door, and I know my treats are about to go out into the world.
Maybe next year.
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5 comments
I loved reading about the baskets and packages you’ve given to friends and family over the years. It is different during a pandemic and with the loss of the guy whom you admired at the post office. We are going to reign in the balloons for bdays because in 2021 I started balloon garlands for 2 bdays and then had to kind of see it through for 2 more. I do love the helium tank though. Hope you have a good day!
I do so hope you can do this next year. But I’m also kind of glad you have had a rest from doing all the baking. It will make the effort next year feel sweeter.
Also, pastry + fruit = perfection! lol
(But so too are chocolate chip cookies.)
I hope next year (finally) will feel more normal and you can bring back your tradition.
Your post made me think of rituals and covid. So much of my rituals were built around social interactions and when that went away during covid, so did a lot of the rituals. Like you, in some ways, I’m glad to not need to push myself energy wise. But also, I’m realizing that my rituals provided a lot for my emotional and mental health and hopefully this year, we can start bringing some back.
It’s good to let go of things when they become a burden rather than a pleasure. I hope that you will eventually be able to regain your joy in Purim – I know it’s your favorite.
I have fond memories of your Purim posts over the years, and the goodie baskets you used to give away here. But everyone deserves a break (especially during a pandemic) — and even if you decide to make the break permanent, or to scale back in the future, just remember that you gave it a good run and made a lot of people happy for a long time. 🙂