Shopping Lists and Family
I’m a creature of habit. To avoid pre-weekend congestion, I tend to do my grocery shopping early each week. To avoid over-spending, I like to menu plan and shop based on the menu. So, each Sunday, a blank menu and shopping list take up their expensive real-estate position on the fridge.
What’s important about the shopping list is not just the food. Staples never make it to my list, because that’s a regular purchase, but non-weekly items, toiletries etc. will need to be included to ensure that they’ll be purchased. And the truth is, I don’t always pay attention if the extra bathroom needs shampoo, which is why I rely on my offspring.
They have a responsibility to not only menu plan and prep their night’s meal (each one gets a night per week). But they also need to contribute to the effort of shopping — even if their schedule doesn’t permit them to do the actual shopping with me.
This week, we celebrated the holiday of Shavuot. Like many Jewish holidays, it’s focused on FOOD!! So it was expected that our routine of menu planning and food prep would be just that more intense.
Leading up to the holiday, my social media feeds were full of pictures of family and friends proudly posting their decadent cheesecakes, the creative challot shaped like ladders, and striking table settings with gorgeous greenery. So instead, I’ll post the journey of “how we got there,” rather than “here’s where we are”.
Here’s my HOW:
1. Shopping. This is a collaborative effort. Each person must take responsibility for making sure that when grocery items or toiletries need to be replenished, of they are listed, they will be purchased
2. Cooking. Not just food prep and execution, it takes a group effort. I want to make sure that the menu addresses everyone’s dietary needs, restrictions, and allergies….but is also appealing, and because it’s a holiday, it needs to have that special touch
3. Cleaning. We want to enjoy a tidy and clean home environment. So, if I would hire cleaning assistance (at $$$) they would clean my home for 5 hours. With 5 able bodies at my home, if each person contributes an hour of the time — not only are we finished in one hour, but there’s an additional layer of pride. And I”m always optimistic, that if everyone does it themselves, they’ll be more careful for later.
4. Eating. That’s what it’s all about. Coming to a meal happy and hungry. Sitting at the table with the bragging rights to know that our pallet is thrilled with the explosion of flavor.
5. Thankful. Thanksgiving is EVERY day. I’m thankful for my progeny that understands that running a household can’t fall on one person’s shoulders. Preparing for an intense marathon session of continuous meals requires stamina and effort. I’m truly and authentically thankful to my offspring. You make me proud!
What holiday is next? I need a break….
