Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 27, Number 12, 1 December 2010 — A special season of gratitude [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A special season of gratitude

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D.

Ilala no ia lā o ka pōloli. An expression of thanlfuīness that there was food for another day. — 'Ōlelo No'eau, Hawaiian proverb Ho'oilo is the season of rains and storms that extends roughly from November through March. Ho'oilo starts with 'Ikuwā (loud voice) that equates to October and November on our calendar. 'Ikuwā is when

Lono usually thunders over the islands. This year, Ho'oilo rains and winds arrived on schedule, but without thunder. Some farmers are relieved as these rains provided the first break in Hawai'i's lengthy drought. Rains make outdoor activities difficult. And, eauhon is needed when traveling by foot, car or water. However, beautiful rainbows are a gift of the rains, and spectacular rainbows ean be seen all day in the valleys. The seasonal migration of the kōlea (Paeihe golden plover) fromAlaska is on schedule, as well. Many ean be seen around Honolulu. Three or four kōlea usually return to a grassy knoll just down the street. Traditionally, Makahiki begins during 'Ikuwā. And, Makahiki was the time to demonstrate gratitude to the ali'i and the gods. In present custom, the season includes Thanksgiving, Christmas and New

Year, whieh also conjure up reflections of gratitude and appreciation. Even with having to "tighten our belts" and "get by on less" in 2010, there is mueh to be grateful for. Hawai'i's beauty and bounty (greenery, beaches, weather), as well as the aloha of families and friends, surround us constantly. A recent assignment, tasking me with naming individuals who helped shape my life, turned into a real spirit-building exercise. The list began with parents and family members, then friends, colleagues and classmates. A eouple of teachers who inspired me, a eouple more who held expectations high and others who were harsh were added. There were bosses who educated, others who were resentful, still others who depended on my work. All have contributed to who I am. The list includes advisers for job seeking, Ananeial and banking

matters, too. There are many who have protected my health. There are friends, acquaintances, even strangers, who have asked for my help. They have helped increase my abilities and confidence. And, then,

very important are a few who extend a hand when

gloom and doom prevail. My list of those to extend aloha to is pages long. The result has been amazing. By now, your holi-

day celebration plans are underway. Onee the

menu and food choices are set, thoughts ean focus on merriment and catching up with friends and family. Hopefully, though, some of the holiday food suggestions discussed previously in this eolumn are included your plans. To refresh your memories, here are suggestions from past holiday articles: • Modify recipes to reduce salt, sugar, oils or mayonnaise in prepared dishes (flavor with herbs,

such as garlic, onions, celery, etc., and/or spices. • Serve a eouple of colorful vegetable dishes, such as a salad with low-calorie salad dressing and potatoes, yams, broccoli or carrots.

• If you barbecue, grill fresh vegetables on the

barbecue too. Fruit salad. - Phoīo: sxc.hu • Avoid deepfried and fried food

for the main course and pūpū menus.

• Offer vegetable pūpū options. • Offer easy access to chilled water and other sugarless drinks. • Avoid or limit whipped-cream desserts and include a fruit dessert ehoiee. • If you are a guest, bring a dish to share that considers your own heahh needs. This is a special season of the year, indeed! ■

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