Dinnertime with the family is not just about having food, but it’s a lot more than that. Each family has its own dinnertime traditions, particularly in terms of timings, the menu, the kind of conversation that flows and some other small rituals associated with it. I will share some insights about my family dinnertime routine.

Our dinnertime is usually at 9pm, give or take a few minutes — the food is served at 9pm and we are done before 10. After dinner is served, we all sit together and patiently wait for our turn to dish out the food into our plates, starting with the eldest member of the family, my grandfather, to the youngest, my sister. Irrespective of what health protocols demands, our dinner is usually spicy and oily, with typical and traditional Pakistani foods, such as different chicken and mutton curries, fish, biryani, etc. And my father insists upon a dessert also being served at the end, so we usually have an appetising dessert at mealtimes.

This one hour that we spend together is more than any precious jewels and gems for me. This is the time when my whole family is present, leaving behind all their studies, responsibilities and duties for the time being to share a meal together. We tell each other about how the day went, the things we did and discuss our plans. Sometimes we also talk about the mistakes that we shouldn’t have made or some good deeds we did or want to do.

There is also gossip at the dining table. In fact, it sometimes seems as if a group of teenage gossip girls are sitting together, having a laugh about the latest happening in the family and sharing our good or bad experiences.

My grandfather, the most important pillar of my family, goes back into time and tells us stories starting from the time of partition till the present day. My father enlightens us with knowledge about Islam, poets and writers, and guides us about manners and gives us various perspectives on things. But this is not all, he also tells us humorous stories and jokes that make us roll with laughter.

My mother and brothers also join the conversation, giving their views, narrating their own stories. And my brothers never leave a chance to roast my little sister throughout the dinner.

This is what dinnertime is like for my family and me. It’s all I want for now and forever. I believe every family spends quality time at dinner, one way or the other. The reason for writing about this particular topic is that sometimes we forget what we have and underestimate the beautiful moments of family gatherings. So my friends, enjoy these moments and the beauty of the relations present around you.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 5th, 2022