Little Malia learned very early the signals that indicated it was time to go home from a family get together or parties. Amid the boisterous laughter from family, friends and neighbors, the music and hula dancers, Malia knew when she heard these words, “Go, make plate….

the end of the party was coming to a close. You see, in Hawaii, or at least in my family, once you start to “make plate to take home,” that is the BIG sign for you to prep for the Aloha (good-bye) my friend. Once you assembled your take home plate, our family tradition included helping to clean up after the party.

Of course, you always hear the host saying, “No,no, no, you just sit down…..go, we can clean up later.” However, no one paid attention to the host because we all knew those words really meant “You guys are too good and NOT RUDE like some who just come, eat and go!”

Although I have since moved away from Hawaii, this cultural ritual is still part of me and I hope my children will carry on this tradition since I think it imparts generosity to the guests who visit us and kindness to the host of the party.

So, if you plan to come for a party at my house I will expect you to take home some food and please, sit down, you do know clean up can wait until tomorrow…..or can it?    You decide…..

Aloha,

Sunshine