My Favorite Family Ritual? Dinner Together Every Night (In Front of the TV)

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In our household, gathering for dinner each night is a cherished tradition. Sure, some evenings we might chow down at 4 p.m. due to late sports practices, while others stretch into the realm of post-8 p.m. dining. Regardless of the time, it’s my favorite meal of the day, and I strive to whip up something for everyone most nights. Now, I won’t claim that our dinners are gourmet or overly nutritious. Some nights, it’s just a simple bowl of cereal and toast. But the key is we’re together, and that’s what truly matters.

On nights when our schedule is wide open, I seize the opportunity to get a little more creative in the kitchen. I love cooking, and there’s something special about preparing nourishing meals for my family while enjoying a glass of wine during the chopping and mixing. Some of my fondest memories happen in the kitchen when one of my kids asks to cook something special alongside me. We have a blast (as long as they follow my lead) chatting and creating together.

When they were younger, we’d all gather around our vintage oak dining table. I would watch them squirm, get up for the umpteenth time, and ask about dessert while they eyed their plates to see if the food was worth the effort of actually eating. But there were also those nights when I’d pull out their high chairs or booster seats, plop them in front of the TV, and serve up chicken nuggets or sandwiches. Let me tell you, those dinners felt like a mini-vacation. No complaints, just happy munching, and I didn’t have to endure a drive into the night after pouring my heart into a meal only to be met with, “You know, McDonald’s is way better than what you make, Mom.”

Some evenings, I would join them for dinner. Other times, after tucking them in, my husband and I would enjoy grilled steaks and risotto while sipping wine. I fondly recall my mom doing the same on Friday nights when I was a kid. She’d serve us tomato soup and grilled cheese on plastic trays, and I could smell something delicious cooking as I lay in bed, dreaming of that grill-smoked flavor. Although I would have preferred to eat the grilled meat, those Friday nights felt special. I loved the cozy routine of watching my favorite show while savoring a meal, and I could tell my mom enjoyed it, too—less fuss, less mess, and we were too engrossed in the screen to complain.

The more I allowed my kids to enjoy their meals while watching TV, the more I found myself looking forward to dinnertime. As they’ve grown, it’s become our norm, especially during the chilly months. There’s something so comforting about curling up on the couch with a big bowl of pasta in front of the fireplace.

We’ve watched everything from local news to Jeopardy to sci-fi marathons, and I love it. Dinnertime has become the highlight of my day, and I don’t feel like we’re losing connection by not sitting at the dinner table. I simply set the food on the island, everyone helps themselves, and we chat away with Alex Trebek (rest his soul) in the background.

Family traditions vary widely, and while we may not adhere to the “experts’” rules on how to spend our dinner hour, I’m okay with that. I care more about us enjoying our meals together than adhering to some traditional standard. I love that my kids snuggle up under blankets in their favorite spots on the couch, and it’s delightful to see them eat more and complain less. Plus, there’s the bonus of not having to set or clean the table, which gives me more time to spend with them. It’s truly the best part of my day.

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Summary:

Dinner at my house is a beloved ritual, where we gather together each night, often in front of the TV. Whether it’s a simple meal or a more elaborate creation, the focus is on quality time spent as a family. I cherish the memories made in the kitchen with my kids and the cozy evenings spent enjoying our meals while catching up on our favorite shows. Most importantly, it’s about the togetherness, laughter, and love that fills our home.