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Moms and daughters have been gathering for a Mother/Daughter Christmas Luncheon since 1998. This year’s holiday event was held at Corrado’s Cucina in Greenridge. (Courtesy/Norine Gardiner)Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It’s been a holiday tradition that began back in 1998 when a small group of Staten Island moms and their daughters gathered for a casual Christmas brunch
With the passing of time, its popularity increased and more moms and daughters climbed on board and joined in the merrymaking.
And to this day revelers have been happily reprising the custom that’s been growing ever since.
It’s been 27 years since the inaugural holiday event and the group now includes some 30 moms and daughters — and babies too — who haven’t missed a year since the group first got together.
During the pandemic they still managed to find a way for virtual festivity.
The mother-daughter Christmas custom is always staged on the first Sunday in December at a different Staten Island venue.
But, no matter where it lands, fun photos and glittery gifts continue to be showcased prominently.
“Co-owner Frankie, Restaurant Manager Christian and Server Brenda ensure that everything is taken care of so that everyone can enjoy themselves in a beautifully decorated private space while dining on delicious food,” she added. “So much so, that everyone voted for a three-peat to have it there again in 2025! This will be the first time in 27 years that this gathering will be held at the same restaurant three years in a row.”
The 2024 Mother/Daughter Christmas Lunch kicked off with a toast by Allison Morisano.
From the left, Allie Morisano with mom Lisa Morisano holding her grandmother, Glenda Morisano’s photo. (Courtesy/Norine Gardiner)Staten Island Advance
Morisano paid a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother, Glenda Morisano, who passed away during the past year.
Glenda’s photo from a past holiday luncheon was added to a “When Heaven and Nature Sing” memorial so that deceased moms are honored and remembered. A green beret crocheted by Glenda that was gifted at a past Mother/Daughter luncheon, was featured on her photo in her memory.
A “When Heaven and Nature Sing” memorial table graces the luncheon. (Courtesy/Norine Gardiner)Staten Island Advance
Gardiner also noted that two of the daughters who’ve become moms and are expecting their second babies in January, posed for a sweet side-by-side photo in front of the tree.
From left to right, Theresa Pommerenk with daughter, Marissa Malone and Jamie Morisano with mother-in-law, Lisa Morisano. (Courtesy/Norine Gardiner)Staten Island Advance
ORIGINS OF THE LUNCHEON
Each year the luncheon is organized by Norine Gardiner and Janice Scibilia, childhood friends and co-hosts who met as students in Barnes Intermediate School while planning a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend. And they’ve been happily planning festive gatherings ever since.
The annual flurry of festivity continued at this year’s holiday luncheon.
Lucille Wersching, Scibilia’s mom, filled a table of raffle prizes that were up for grabs throughout the afternoon. guests won throughout the afternoon.
Christmas grab bag gifts are exchanged and holiday-themed games played to win more prizes.
There’s also an Awards Ceremony year after year created by Gardiner to celebrate “Merry Milestones” of participation tracked on an Excel spreadsheet noting everyone’s attendance by year and venue.
This year’s award recipient was Sally Silvestri who celebrated her 25th year in attendance.
Sally Silvestri was recognized for attending her 25-year Mother/Daughter Christmas Lunch this year. (Courtesy/Norine Gardiner)Staten Island Advance
For being a “SOUP-er Mom,” she received an engraved soup spoon with a can of chicken soup, since members say, “The Mother/Daughter Christmas Lunch is Chicken Soup for the Holiday Soul.”
Gardiner adds that the Mother/Daughter Luncheon was born out of love and friendship which continues to flourish each year.
“After Janice married Joe in October 1998, they were looking for an excuse to go back to her wedding venue at Christmastime,” said Gardiner. “So two months later the girls in the bridal party took their moms to brunch. They decided to make it an annual event since it signifies sharing time and tradition together. Although some attendees have moved away, everyone reunites on the first Sunday in December on Staten Island to share in this Merry Mother/Daughter commemoration to kick off the holiday season.”
CELEBRATIONS – JAN. 5 TO JAN. 11
JAN. 5
Sunday is birthday time for Betty Driscoll, Vincent Cowhig Jr., Rosemary D’Agnese, Robert Dubicki, triplets Julianna, Christina and Nicole Margadonna.
JAN. 6
The happiest of birthdays on Monday to Peter Montanti, Cormac Gordon, Eddie Nielsen, Christian Hyman, Elisa Arrigo, James Alexaner Galizia, Valerie M. Cosgriff and her cousin, Veronica Cosgriff.
Monday is wedding anniversary time for Marie and George Buonocore who just happen to be the godparents for the Cosgriffs.
JAN. 7
Birthday greetings Tuesday go to Samir (Sam) Farag, Carmela Neis, Chris DeMenna, twins Dominick and Derek Passante, Tara –Jean Canlon and Quinn Adamski who turns 10 years-old.
JAN. 8
Happy birthday on Wednesday to Elizabeth Turrisi, Daniel Tripo turns 17, Anthony Crimeni, Beth Manzo, Carrie–Jo Valerio and Jenna Marie Romano who turns 19 years-old.
JAN. 9
Birthday best on Thursday to retired New York State Supreme Court Justice Kim Dollard, New York State Supreme Court Justice Judith McMahon, Patty Bunbury, twins Alexandra and Daniella Russo, Pauline Grillo, and Lois Dwyer.
JAN. 10
Heading the birthday list on Friday is George Malliotakis, dad of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, who turns 88, Charles DeBiase Jr., D. J. Lipari, Debbie Clinton, Patty Bunberry, Scott Hansen, Bruce Bannick, Robert J. Roberts and twins Jeanna and Nicholas Como.
JAN. 11
Saturday is birthday time for Maria DeSantis, Monday a former Miss America Outstanding Teen and Miss Staten Island who shares a birthday with Noreen Lapcevic, Angelina O’Connor, Lynn Guilfoyle, and John Fields
