Return Tradition to Our Traditional Family Holiday Dinners

Holiday dinners with the Italian side of my family are some of my best memories. With Thanksgiving coming up very soon, those memories are playing with my sense of reality, as fond memories tend to do. I just want to jump into those visions and be that little girl watching my grandpa, as head of the family, command everyone to "mangiare" (eat).

These events were full of playful banter and the occasional heated discussion that always ended in laughter and wine. Nevertheless, for the most part, they were centered around dining—cooking, drinking good wine, sharing, and eating.

One really can't just sit at the table and chow down though. This is especially true at the Italian table. I noticed this on our latest trip to Italy as well. Our interactions with one another are very important. And we weave our interactions around the meal. It's like an intricate dance of interaction and precise utensil usage, all the while complimenting the abundance of delicious food.

This is much the same in most households, I would imagine. We tend to use all our manners and social skills at the table. This is an excellent reason why table manners are so important. We teach our children most everything about being a civil, social person at the table. So, as we approach this holiday season, let's all try to slow down and make time to sit at the dining table and share time with those we love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Comments

Using Teachable Moments When Planning & Hosting Parties

Dear Rebecca, What do children and teens learn from their parent’s throwing parties ? Parent Dear Parent, Children of all ages learn everything from their parents. They learn all their manners , which is basically how we treat others and ourselves. They also learn etiquette, which is the protocol, how we behave, or how we are expected to behave in public. So, if a child’s parents throw raucous parties with alcohol and loud music, the child will believe that this is what is expected at parties. If the parents cater to their guests, treating them as special, the child will learn that he/she should treat their guests as special. Parents are their child’s best teachers to teach him/her about life and being a good person. Pro-Tip Involve your child in the planning and preparation of the party. Teach him/her how to focus on guests' needs. Most sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca Q & A: The Best and Worst Parties I’ve Hosted or At...

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