What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner? Can We Get It Back? - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner? Can We Get It Back? - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

Last week I wrote of the many reasons why the Sunday dinner, if not completely gone, has diminished from a roar to a whisper. I suspect that the sanctity of those days will not be recovered. Yes, I understand many of you still appreciate and continue its tradition in some form. I applaud you. How very fortunate you are.

How might we reestablish the dinner and disconnect from the rest of the world while we reconnect with family and friends in a sacrosanct moment? So much has changed, not the least of which is the creep of social media.

Truthful, informative social media is important and perhaps necessary. It is a part of our lives we cannot avoid.  Our children, and most others for that matter, connect with it in some form every day. But it can be intrusive, and we should take a moment to reflect upon where it fits in our lives.

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I have some thoughts on recouping a modicum of the dinner.

Understanding the many issues so many have with food challenges, no family, paltry, or no, housing, I will attempt some modest proposals. Please, as you read, keep in mind those who are less fortunate, and those who need our help. One other thought; I don’t believe the dinner has to be on a Sunday. Consider the following as a road map to connecting:

For those who can, please help those who cannot. There are many ways to do it. Perhaps start with your local food bank. Make helping others a discussion at every dinner.

And, for those who are able, consider sitting at the table for at least one hour with no distractions . . . no games, no TV, no cell phones, no computers, no social media, no texting, etc. at least once a week. Agree that this dedicated time has to start on time.

Talk to each other. Look at each other. If necessary, assign a topic for discussion.

No political discussions.

Soft background music, maybe even opera.

Each in turn should discuss something good that you did that week. A book you are reading. How you helped someone, etc.

Everyone pitches in to help set the dinner . . . shopping, cooking, setting the table, requesting a favorite dish, dessert, assigning a topic. Don’t chalk it up to not having time and having to get other things done.  Make time.

Why should the ‘family’ dinner continue? Because it is a gift that will remind us that there is much more to life. A family that sets dedicates time to dine together will thrive.

My memories of my days dining with family are a treasure that will live with me forever. Perhaps a return to this once-strong tradition will rekindle the honor and values of years past.

And along the way, please remember that helping someone who has a need, who is not so lucky as to be able to do what you are doing, will reward you.