Dinner Day?!

I love January. I've had just long enough of a break from routine, which I abhor, that I'm actually craving it. The absence of daily doing combined with family vacation time enable the idea part of my brain just long enough to actually gel and begin to formulate fresh thoughts, or at least put old concepts together in new ways. My social calendar is empty. I'm fresh, I'm ready to go and I'm ready to catch up.

It seems I'm not alone. Did you know that in 2002 the legislature of Pennsylvania designated the second Saturday of January a national holiday, "Invite Your Neighbor to Dinner Day" or "Dinner Day" for short? The website states, "invite your neighbor to dinner as a celebration of the values that make America a terrific place to live. Ask a neighbor you've never met or one you've only waved at, but never taken the time to get to know. Take a moment to break some bread together in one of your homes or out on the town. Either way, be sure to build a bridge to your neighbors and take down any fences that have kept you apart."

It feels sad to think that we've become so isolated as a society that someone felt the need to create a state holiday just so he could have the "excuse" to invite people over to dinner. While one part of me thinks "What is our problem?" another voice knows where this guy in Bucks county is coming from. Long before I created Essen, I just loved to cook - because it was creative, because it was relaxing, because it tasted good and because it brought people I liked together. But over time, I would entertain less often. It seemed to be uncool to put time into preparing for people you care about. People almost felt uncomfortable or put out that you would do something nice for them. And over time we'd all see each other less often. A conversation in a noisy restaurant will never compare to a relaxing chat across my kitchen counter.

Now, I didn't wait for the Smiths of Bucks county to give me permission to have friends over for dinner. I got sick and tired of overpriced and unhealthy restaurant fare. And I missed really talking to my friends. Today, I often find January is one of our busier entertaining months. I can call friends with last minute invitations and they're usually free. And, boy, are they ready for simple food and honest conversation. No stress, no fuss - with or without permission from the Commonwealth.