Does anyone do extended family dinners?

[Anonymous]

Is this something that is just totally "old school"? To me it seems normal to still have Sunday dinner with my parents, siblings, their spouses and now the kids we are having. Its just something we do. Of course things come up and sometimes not everyone can make it, but at least 80% of the time its all of us. Especially during football season. We enjoy the time together, its something we were used to from the generation prior even.

But I've met some people lately who have made odd faces when I tell them about my weekend plans- met with lots of probing questions. I don't know what answers they are looking for, some kind of hidden meaning behind it all? - we have to eat, we like each other, 2 birds with one stone.

[Anonymous]

Sounds great, if our family was nearby we would definitely do family dinners. However, if you read the other threads on this board you know that many people have fraught family relationships, in which case a standing once-a-week plan would be unfun.

[Anonymous]

We did when we lived closer to family. We always ate supper at my parent's house on Sunday after church.

[Anonymous]

We did it when we lived near family. I miss that! My sister and cousin and everyone still goes.

[Anonymous]

A lot of people don't prioritize family near the top of the list. they would prefer to be working or doing personal hobbies / interests so getting together with family is something that just takes away from what they would rather do.

[Anonymous]

We do it - there are 3 generations and usually at least the blood relatives are there. Spouses sometimes skip one here or there. My favorite time of the week!

[Anonymous]

I wish. I dream of living this close to family.

[Anonymous]

Now that I have kids, I would like this! Before I had kids I had better things to do on the weekend, but now I appreciate the chance to have someone else cook me a nice meal and ooh and ahh over my baby

[Anonymous]

What does your spouse think of it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Now that I have kids, I would like this! Before I had kids I had better things to do on the weekend, but now I appreciate the chance to have someone else cook me a nice meal and ooh and ahh over my baby

As long as you do your part by helping with the dishes, PP!

[Anonymous]

Yes. My family of four travels 25 minutes every Sunday to have dinner with my husband's side of the family. No one has ever looked at us "oddly" for this. Why would they? It is a nice tradition and we are lucky to be able to do it.

[Anonymous]

We usually eat dinner with my parents and my sister's family once a week or once every other week. We do not see my MIL as often, but that is because my husband does not make plans with her.

[Anonymous]

When we lived in the same area we would get together once in awhile, not regularly, but yes, three generations, cousins/ILs etc for a big dinner or spending most of Sunday there.

[Anonymous]

EVERY week? Frankly, I cannot imagine doing this. Every once in awhile, even once a month would be nice, but no way would I commit to extended family dinners every weekend. Your kids are obviously young, OP.

[Anonymous]

I love my family. Even the eccentrics. Usually, it is my SIL and her family who spearhead these get-togethers. Usually there is one person who takes the initiative and everyone benefits.