A Simple Family Dinner

When some people think of family dinners, they think of take-out Chinese food or pizza, but really, there's more to family dinners than that. A family dinner is about more than the food you eat. Many years ago, dinner was when everyone came home from work or school and talked about their day and many other things. Sadly, some people don't eat with their families any more and if they do, it's not an enjoyable time. For example, the teenage brother comes in and out of the kitchen, taking a bite here and there, dad watches the news, the little sister eats with her comic books half-way under the table, while mom tries to feed baby brother, who squeals and throws food everywhere.

A good idea for a family dinner is to make the meal together because the best food is made in your own kitchen with your family at your side. Dinner is about both eating and gathering with the family to close a day.

On Thursday night my family had a family dinner . I chose this night not only because I love spaghetti, but also my Dad was home from his meeting in Dallas. My Dom got her pots, pans and ingredients out, and she started cooking. Because I had homework to do, I sat down in the formal dining room and started working. My dad worked in his office and my brother was upstairs studying. The smell of fresh meat and thick green veggies drifted like a stream into my working space. Every once in a while, my brother took a break and made his way into the kitchen. He took a taste here and there, but he was shooed away before he could eat anything more than a sample. After the food was cooked, my brother and I set the table. We gathered around the table and my Dad said grace. We sat down to a great meal, talking, laughing, joking and even gossiping.

The worst part about my family dinner night was cleaning up. Doing the dishes, sweeping the floor, and wiping all the counters was not a lot of fun. Still, it was a good night and certainly one that I'll remember.

Family dinners are a time that should be enjoyed by all families big or small. Even in these tough times, people should find comfort within their families and a family dinner helps alleviate worries. Like I said earlier, family dinners are about eating and gathering with the family to close a day.