Yearly traditions come in all shapes and forms, but for my family, there’s one we look forward to the most. The day on the calendar we all get amped for is when we fill jars. What are we filling the jars with? Gravy of course … or tomato sauce for the non-Italian readers. The all-day event has developed all sorts of names over the years. Some call it Gravy Day, Operation: Fill Jars, or “doin’ tomatoes” as some would put it.

It’s been a Carbonetta family tradition since my grandmother immigrated from Perano, Italy. We called her Nonni. The “i” meaning the plural in Italian, I called her “grandparents” as a kid, not knowing. Being as capable as she was though, the name fit. She was like a few grandparents in one. It’s become a Carbonetta custom for as long as I can remember.