Sixteen years ago, a simple ceramic sombrero designed for chips and salsa arrived as a playful holiday joke from a close companion. This initial gesture sparked what would become a yearly custom of exchanging increasingly outlandish presents, a tradition that continues to resonate long after shared laughter filled the room.
The Birth of a Tradition
Within a tight-knit group where homemade salsa was a signature passion, a friend named Jim saw an opportunity for lighthearted teasing. What started with the sombrero quickly escalated into a quest for the most aesthetically questionable serving sets imaginable. Themes ranged from beer mugs and pretzels to a yellow cowboy boot adorned with a Texas star, and even a jalapeño pepper strumming a guitar.
These items became the equivalent of ugly holiday sweaters for our social circle, a source of annual amusement and anticipation.
A Mission of Mirth
Jim, a serious professional who rose to become a trusted advisor at high levels of the Air Force, delighted in sharing the story of this quirky tradition. His colleagues, intrigued by the contrast, eagerly joined the fun. Even during periods of global tension, it became a cheerful pre-holiday task for his military coworkers to scour the internet using searches like "tackiest chip and dip set" to contribute to the next year's offering.
The standards for tackiness were high. New participants might suggest a garish item, only to be informed it wasn't quite audacious enough. One memorable year featured a ceramic scene of a well-fed couple by a pool, with the man poised for a belly flop and the woman relaxing in a hot tub that doubled as a salsa bowl.
Perhaps the pinnacle was a set inspired by "Fiddler on the Roof," featuring a large fiddler figure on the bowl's lid and Tevye's milk cart repurposed to hold a generous serving of salsa. While it might dismay art critics, it remains a celebrated highlight in our collective memory.
Humor Amidst Heartache
The tradition took on deeper meaning following Jim's passing. While speaking at a memorial service and to colleagues at a dedication in his honor, recounting the tales of these humorous hunts provided a bridge between grief and celebration. It was a way to honor the friendship that began decades earlier and the bond that saw us stand as best men at each other's weddings.
In his final days, a moment of profound connection occurred. Holding his hand, words of love were finally spoken—a sentiment that might have otherwise remained unvoiced. Though heavily sedated and unable to speak, a gentle squeeze of the hand conveyed understanding and offered solace.
An Enduring Presence
While the sharpness of some memories softens over time, Jim's spirit persists. He is present in family stories, in the mannerisms of his children and grandchildren, and quite literally within the home. With my wife's gracious tolerance, an array of these joke chip-and-dip sets lines our kitchen walls, serving as a constant, tangible reminder.
Now, whenever we host a gathering, Jim is the first guest to arrive, in spirit. Simply retrieving a ceramic barn set and filling the cow's midsection with salsa feels like setting a place for him at the table.
This journey from gag gift to cherished heirloom underscores a simple truth: the most insignificant objects can carry the greatest weight. A seemingly tasteless holiday present can become a gift that truly keeps on giving, its full significance unfolding across a lifetime and echoing beyond.
