Ed, your title might well be "What Ever Happened to Sunday?" With people working remotely and incessantly engaged on their phones, one day blurs into the next. Sunday is no different from any other day. Who will devote the time needed to create those feasts that our mothers, grandmothers, aunts did - every week! Back then our families lived nearby, many within walking distance. We were readily available for any project or even emergency that might arise. So getting together for Sunday Dinner was feasible. Not any more, at least for my family, scattered (as you say) across the country and the globe. But keeping those memories alive in our minds gives us pleasure. Thank you. Ron DiPippo
What a wonderful nostalgic memory when we were kids. There's no question that large family dinners are victims of cultural and geographical "progress." As the world got bigger, family interactions got smaller. Families are now semi-disengaged. We have two of our kids now living with us because they can't afford to buy or rent their own home. Though my wife and I expected to live our retirement years together, circumstances have brought us all under one roof. The good news, is that whenever I or my wife say dinner's ready, we hear our kids coming downstairs and thank us for their extended care. Life doesn't always turn out how you imagined, but it doesn't mean it's without its blessings.
So interesting, Larry, and something I hear often. Especially so in Europe. But, on the good side: you have Sunday dinners built in. Thanks for your note.
When my Grandparents were alive the entire family, all living in the same "triple-decker" in East Boston, would spend all Sunday (after church) eating in my Grandparents flat. Numerous folding "card tables' were added to the end of the main dining room table so the children could all be with the adults. I cherish those memories still.
Lots of memories, that was the way it was, it was good, and it is gone. Different times, world, values.
We (just me and wife) generally still have a "macaroni" Sunday dinner, with the "meat of the gravy" and some wine, but no longer can handle the salad, chicken and pastry. I marvel thinking what at that we could and would eat back then.
I agree, Biagio. But remember. There was no hurry. The meal took all day. We had time to digest as we paced ourselves with no other distractions. My wife and I sometimes revert to tradition on a quiet Sunday and, like you, we have a modest meal anchored by pasta of course.
I know it's almost unbelievable but I still do Sunday dinner. Every so often, though, I say that I'm not going to do it anymore; then my deep commitment to the family tradition creeps in and there I am doing it again. I've tried doing the pot-luck version, but that didn't work out too well. Then we tried downsizing to the pizza and salad version, but not everyone was happy with that. So, we're back on track with the full Sunday dinner again with one exception. I don't do the pastry! Mary
Ed, what beautiful memories you have from your childhood and sharing those memories brings back in our own childhood so long ago the Sundays of family togetherness. Yes, we have on a limited occasion, brought back some of those days with our children and grandchildren.
Peter, Mark Twain said, "The older I get, the more I remember things that never happened." But, that is not the case when we rekindle our memories of Sunday dinners. It really was that way!
So many wonderful memories, if only we could bring those days back. No one roasted a chicken like grandma, so delicious!! I entertained Sunday dinner at my house when grandchildren were younger but now they are involved and working part time besides school so makes it difficult. Thanks for the memories!!!
"Memories to be cherished?" I don't know, it depends on one's personality, the here and now, and personal circumstance. Judging from the comments above, seems to be all about nostalgia, another time, another place, and maybe even country. For my part, I try to avoid ruminating about such times, all too sad, gone forever, never to return. The only thing we can depend on is change that sometimes throughs us on our rear and challenges us to either sink or swim. And our resilience is embedded in Hope. Thank you for listening.
Werner, thank you. This is an excellent comment. Nostalgia is a controversial topic. Books and scientific papers have been written about it. Courses are taught about Nostalgia. Is it good? Is it real? Does it hamper progress? Research? We can chat about it. I understand your concerns.
I love Frank Bruni's NY Times piece and have so informed him https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/13/t-magazine/italy-sunday-lunch.html?smid=tw-share
Ed, your title might well be "What Ever Happened to Sunday?" With people working remotely and incessantly engaged on their phones, one day blurs into the next. Sunday is no different from any other day. Who will devote the time needed to create those feasts that our mothers, grandmothers, aunts did - every week! Back then our families lived nearby, many within walking distance. We were readily available for any project or even emergency that might arise. So getting together for Sunday Dinner was feasible. Not any more, at least for my family, scattered (as you say) across the country and the globe. But keeping those memories alive in our minds gives us pleasure. Thank you. Ron DiPippo
Yes indeed, Ron. No malls. The streets were quiet. There was no place to go, nor should there have been. Lucky us.
What a wonderful nostalgic memory when we were kids. There's no question that large family dinners are victims of cultural and geographical "progress." As the world got bigger, family interactions got smaller. Families are now semi-disengaged. We have two of our kids now living with us because they can't afford to buy or rent their own home. Though my wife and I expected to live our retirement years together, circumstances have brought us all under one roof. The good news, is that whenever I or my wife say dinner's ready, we hear our kids coming downstairs and thank us for their extended care. Life doesn't always turn out how you imagined, but it doesn't mean it's without its blessings.
So interesting, Larry, and something I hear often. Especially so in Europe. But, on the good side: you have Sunday dinners built in. Thanks for your note.
Dr Ed. You write so beautifully and I do crave the past especially on Sundays.
Cheers to you
You are most kind, Chrissy. Thank you
When my Grandparents were alive the entire family, all living in the same "triple-decker" in East Boston, would spend all Sunday (after church) eating in my Grandparents flat. Numerous folding "card tables' were added to the end of the main dining room table so the children could all be with the adults. I cherish those memories still.
Our stories and our memories are similar, Gino. And to be cherished indeed.
Thanks for sharing.
Lots of memories, that was the way it was, it was good, and it is gone. Different times, world, values.
We (just me and wife) generally still have a "macaroni" Sunday dinner, with the "meat of the gravy" and some wine, but no longer can handle the salad, chicken and pastry. I marvel thinking what at that we could and would eat back then.
I agree, Biagio. But remember. There was no hurry. The meal took all day. We had time to digest as we paced ourselves with no other distractions. My wife and I sometimes revert to tradition on a quiet Sunday and, like you, we have a modest meal anchored by pasta of course.
I know it's almost unbelievable but I still do Sunday dinner. Every so often, though, I say that I'm not going to do it anymore; then my deep commitment to the family tradition creeps in and there I am doing it again. I've tried doing the pot-luck version, but that didn't work out too well. Then we tried downsizing to the pizza and salad version, but not everyone was happy with that. So, we're back on track with the full Sunday dinner again with one exception. I don't do the pastry! Mary
Beautiful. Remarkable. So nice to hear this story. Thank you for sharing, Mary.
Ed, what beautiful memories you have from your childhood and sharing those memories brings back in our own childhood so long ago the Sundays of family togetherness. Yes, we have on a limited occasion, brought back some of those days with our children and grandchildren.
Peter, Mark Twain said, "The older I get, the more I remember things that never happened." But, that is not the case when we rekindle our memories of Sunday dinners. It really was that way!
AMEN
Ditto.
Great memories, Ed. You reminded me of what now seems like a simpler time years ago. Thank you!
Simple and with no distractions, Tom. Quiet Sundays. No malls. No TV.
So many wonderful memories, if only we could bring those days back. No one roasted a chicken like grandma, so delicious!! I entertained Sunday dinner at my house when grandchildren were younger but now they are involved and working part time besides school so makes it difficult. Thanks for the memories!!!
Memories to be cherished, Elaine.
"Memories to be cherished?" I don't know, it depends on one's personality, the here and now, and personal circumstance. Judging from the comments above, seems to be all about nostalgia, another time, another place, and maybe even country. For my part, I try to avoid ruminating about such times, all too sad, gone forever, never to return. The only thing we can depend on is change that sometimes throughs us on our rear and challenges us to either sink or swim. And our resilience is embedded in Hope. Thank you for listening.
Werner, thank you. This is an excellent comment. Nostalgia is a controversial topic. Books and scientific papers have been written about it. Courses are taught about Nostalgia. Is it good? Is it real? Does it hamper progress? Research? We can chat about it. I understand your concerns.