resolute

What does it say about me that I came down from my pumpkin-pie high, shook off my tryptophan hangover (You know that sleepy stuff in turkey?) and already am contemplating what I want to change about my life in the New Year? Furthermore, what does it say about me that I am unwilling to attempt change until that mystical, magical 1-1 date?

Maybe these are questions for another place but I have been asking them of myself as I look at the last white room in my house and remember the paint awaits me in the basement. I have been asking them of myself when I’m gasping for breath at karate … or when I don’t get up in the morning and do a few exercises to get in better shape.

And as the pages turn I’ve been asking myself about changes as I look at my calendar. December is full already. It is a dazzling, dizzying to-do list out of which has been squeezed every moment we can manage with family, friends and colleagues. And, as I looked at it, my commitment to family meals became even more resolute.

I missed dinner with Hubby and the three kids last night because of a meeting. He’ll miss dinner with the four of us for the same reason tomorrow. That leaves Friday as the first time this week the five of us will eat dinner together … a very unusual thing for us, just one dinner together in a week. But it got me to thinking about something that might help people who want to make regular family meals a New Year’s Resolution.

Book now.

Let’s be honest, in this world certain plans must be made a month out to get them to happen. Put a family meal on that list. Write it in on the family planner. Color code it so you know everyone has that block of time set aside. Consider it an appointment that can’t be changed, just as you would a doctor’s appointment or work deadline. Take that fresh, clean calendar and color in one day a month … or two days a month … or even one day a week … that will be your time to sit down and eat together. We can talk about what to eat later. Right now we just have to whip out that jellyfishing net and catch the whisps of change as they float through a crowded sea of holiday thoughts. After all, if we can block out time for the company gathering, the school function, the church activities, scouting commitments and team parties can’t we block out one night a month for the people we live with?

I’ll probably spend the next few days re-reading the statistics that have convinced me to share the importance of regular family meals with as many people as I can reach; putting together a few posts that bring some numbers into focus. Then as the holidays draw near I hope we can swap some more recipes, exchange a few mealtime strategies and share some of the traditions that make this the most wonderful time of the year for people from so many different traditions. Can’t wait to hear from you as block out those calendars!