For many Orthodox Greeks, Easter is the most important holiday of the year, an extravaganza of family tradition capped by a day of feasting and fun on Sunday.
That's when she missed the big house most of all. Fragrant with the rich scent of baking bread and roasted lamb, her house was filled with noise and joy and rambunctious children every Easter.
This year will be different. Years ago, she and her husband had sold the house with its generous rooms and manicured lawns and downsized into a luxury condo. Earlier this year, they'd downsized again. Travel – especially to see the grandchildren – was more important now than square footage.
Amid all the change, though, some things remain the same. Easter, for instance, and the importance of family. Tomorrow, their condo will be jammed with relatives. Every corner of the kitchen will be stacked with savory treats.
Traditions will be observed. Candles will be lit, chocolates exchanged. Children will be hushed for the ceremony when eggs, hard-boiled and dyed blood-red, will be cracked, symbolizing the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. All this will happen under the eagle eye of her mother-in-law, who at the age of 90, was still the commanding matriarch of this very large brood.
That's why she was in our store this week. Her new condo may be considerably smaller than the sprawling suburban home, but it was being buffed and polished to spotless perfection. She needed new lamps for the foyer so the house would glow brightly.
"This is the final touch," our customer said with satisfaction when she found the perfect shades. "I'm ready for Easter."
Whatever your family tradition this spring, we wish you the warmth of family and friends, the comfort of traditions and the joy of spring. At FCG, we have all the final touches you need to make your home a welcoming place.
Happy Easter to all of our great staff and, especially, our customers. Thank you for letting us be a part of your home and your family celebrations.
