There is nothing I enjoy more than eating together with all of my family. It can get a little crazy on my side of the family with 6 kids running around! On my husband’s side of the family there are 4 kids under 7, so it is equally as active! I love it. I love a full house.
On both sides of our family, there is always way too much food and way too much dessert! I enjoy sitting down to dinner squeezed in tight together at the table. What I really like is how everyone quiets down at prayer time as we reflect on all that God has blessed us with over the past year. Even during hard years, when we are all together during the holidays, like Christmas, everything seems right with the world. Family dinners really bring families together.
Sadly, this Christmas, my dad will likely still be in the hospital. He suffers from guillain barres disorder that has left his paralyzed from his chest down. Through plasma exchange throughout the week, our hope is that he will regain his strength and movement. Whether we celebrate Christmas next week or a week following, it will be made sweeter with the whole family present.
I’ve learned over the years that it doesn’t matter whose house we eat at, who cooks what, or even if we eat out at a restaurant. What is important is connecting with your family during the holidays. Sometimes, it isn’t practical for everyone to meet at your home, plus it is a LOT of work. Going out to dinner is an easy and fun solution!
For my husband’s family, we normally go to Olive Garden. We usually get one of the little dining spots that are off to the side. The Fairlawn Olive Garden has a couple sections that feel just like home. Just like their slogan, “When you’re here, you’re family.” Everyone gets their favorite meal, including the delicious salad and bread-sticks. The best part is that there is no cooking or clean up. I’ve even purchased an Olive Garden family size salad for family dinners at my home and to take to parties. People love it!
For my side of the family, we enjoy going to LongHorn Steakhouse for juicy steaks paired with their loaded baked potato or their yummy sweet potato with cinnamon, sugar and melted butter. I’m making myself hungry just thinking about it! Since we are steak lovers, it is the perfect place for my family to get together for a big family dinner. There is always plenty of room when they put the tables together. LongHorn is the perfect place for a holiday family dinner, especially since there is no easy way to prepare steak for 14 people at home!
Each Christmas, my dad surprises my siblings and I with a restaurant gift card. It has become a tradition of sorts. The best part is that we usually always use our gift cards together as a family in January. This year, I’m going to surprise him back with his own gift card!
I like to get gift cards that are valid at multiple locations like the Darden Restaurants gift card. It is valid at Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze, and Seasons 52. It doesn’t matter who receives a Darden Restaurants gift card, there is a restaurant they will enjoy on it!
A restaurant gift card is the perfect gift for someone who has everything – like your parents and grandparents! Everyone enjoys a nice dinner out! It also makes a great gift for someone that you aren’t sure what they like, including teachers.
I have a feeling that one of the reasons my dad always gives us gift cards is because of the special deals at Christmas time. Right now, you can receive a $5 bonus coupon for every $25 gift card purchased at Olive Garden, Red Lobster or LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants. Whether you plan to enjoy a fun family outing this Christmas season with your family or if you want a gift that is sure to please anyone on your list, be sure to pick up some Darden Gift Cards today.
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Darden. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.
