A Sunny 6

Walk into the produce section of any grocery store this time of year and you are likely to find yourself surrounded by citrus. Here in the Midwest, the bright orange and yellow delicacies are a welcome distraction from the cold and white of our wintry landscape. For many, this healthy dose of Vitamin C also brings memories of the prized orange you would find tucked into the toe of your stocking on Christmas morning.

There are various explanations for how citrus and Christmas became linked. One theory draws on the tradition of Saint Nicholas.  After hearing some poor maidens were to be sold into slavery because their family was too poor to pay their dowry for marriage, Saint Nicholas is said to have tossed gold coins through the window of their home. His generous gift saved their lives and their virtue. The oranges have become a symbol of that act and a reminder to be generous and giving to those in need.

A practical connection reaches back to a time when transporting goods was difficult due to less sophisticated methods of food storage, preservation, and distribution. Items like citrus were very hard to come by, especially in cold climates. Their scarcity made them quite a precious and valuable gift. Receiving an orange at Christmas was a rare treat indeed.

Perhaps today the bright colors and burst of freshness are enough to make them a special treat. They serve as a reminder that even in the cold, shortened days of winter, a sweet, warm, and bright summer is just around the corner.

Why not treat yourself and someone you care about
to a little taste of sunshine today?