Gather the family for January’s National Sunday Supper Month. It can be hard for families to coordinate a time to spend time together. As laws changed to allow stores to be open on Sundays and some people shifted away from Sunday church services, Sunday suppers became less common. They’re a great way to socialize, however. Consider scheduling a family gathering for your parents’ benefit.
Home Care Services Manhattan NY – Increase Your Parents’ Social Opportunities by Bringing Back Sunday Suppers
The History of the Sunday Supper
Origins of the Sunday Supper likely originated from the United Kingdom’s Sunday Roast. After attending church services, families gathered for a large meal that cooked in the oven while they were at church. It usually included a roast, roasted vegetables, and gravy made from the drippings of the roast meat and roasted vegetables.
In the U.S., the meals depended on family history and culture. An Italian family might gather to make fresh pasta, garlic bread, a hearty sauce, and tossed salad. In the south, roast pork, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato casserole were popular. Families with strong Central American roots might have rice and beans, chicken, and fried plantains. Sunday supper was all based on family traditions.
Create Your Own Family Supper
Don’t be afraid to be creative with your family’s Sunday supper. You could do a large potluck meal. If there’s enough space, you could gather in the kitchen and create a themed meal together. You could do an Italian meal one week and traditional pot roast the next.
Let different families pick the theme of the week. If your parents love casseroles, you could do a potluck casserole night for them. Coordinate who brings the main dishes and who brings casseroles with vegetables or desserts. If your sister is a vegetarian, you can do a vegetarian Sunday supper another week. Let everyone have a chance to share their culinary interests.
As you sit down to eat together, people can share stories of their weeks, listen to the older adults talk about their childhoods, and really get to know more about the family’s history. It’s a good way for seniors to socialize, but it’s also important for children to better understand their heritage.
With socialization being so important to seniors, a Sunday supper is a great way to make sure your parents are able to socialize every week. Increase the chances for companionship by hiring home care services. Home care services providers help with everything from transportation to meals and cleaning to organization. Call our home care services specialists to learn more.
