Grandma's Sunday Dinner

I didn't grow up in a home where we had "Sunday Dinner".  My mom worked, my parents didn't go to church (not that that's a requirement for an old fashioned Sunday dinner), and Sundays were a day to watch TV and get ready for Monday.  We didn't have family close by and even if we had I don't imagine any of my relatives had Sunday dinner either.  Sundays were a day for something quick like burgers or sandwiches so mom could finish laundry and rest for Monday.
 
I used to be under the illusion that in order to have a grand Sunday dinner one needed a grand home, grand furnishings, and yes, grand food!  Not having grown up with a traditional Sunday dinner I only knew what I saw on TV.  You know the shows.  Everyone gathered around a 20 person dining table eating perfectly cooked pot roast and potatoes.  A beautiful crystal butter dish would hold the butter that was spread on golden delicious rolls that would be passed ever so gracefully around the table.

I have a friend whose mom cooks Sunday dinner every week for the entire family.  Children, grandchildren, and any friends who may stop by.  Do they live in a big house?  NO!  Do they have a large dining table?  NO!  My daughter's best friend is the granddaughter to the "Sunday Dinner Cook" and she's had the privilege of sitting around their table.

It's a regular table (seats 6 or 8, maybe?) that has seated as many as 15 or 20 people all crowded in on lawn chairs, stools, even boxes if necessary!  Sally puts on a wonderful pot roast.  I've never had the honor of eating her pot roast, but I do know it's delicious because once my daughter told me how wonderful it was I asked Sally for the recipe!  She makes several sides of mashed potatoes, green beans, creamed corn, rolls and even chicken crunch.  It gets topped off with banana pudding and cake!  I mentioned that I didn't think a chicken casserole was a "side" and K said, "It is if you're serving 20 people!"  Ha ha!  I suppose she's right!

The thing I especially enjoy hearing about is not the food (although, I have to admit it sounds divine!) but the fact that an entire family gathers together every. single. week. and sits around a table and fellowships together.   Now, these are my friends and I know them all very well so I can imagine the fun and laughter that goes on around that table!

Why don't I have my own Sunday dinner?  I'm glad you asked!  Actually, we do have one occasionally but it seems I just can't get a firm hold on having it every week.  My son in law is a police officer and works every other Sunday.  And, even my own husband, who owns his own business is occasionally called away on Sunday.  Maybe I should just plan it anyway and even if there are only 2 or 3 of us we'll still do it. 

A terrible habit I've fallen into as my nest empties is thinking that if the entire family isn't here than it's not worth cooking.  What kind of message is that sending to those who are present?  Am I making them believe their presence isn't as valuable?  Sort of like the makeup I mentioned yesterday.  We'll spend hours dressing up for strangers but not our own families?  Why will I cook for all but not a few?

So, that leads me right to the first thing I think I'll work on.  Planning and then implementing a good old fashioned Sunday dinner.  Every week for one or 10!