It’s a Beautiful Day, Don’t Let It Get Away

Sundays have always been, and still are, a bit of a ritual in my family. Most days, I am rushing to get out the door. And while a lot of us are busy going about our own days Monday through Friday, there’s still something so inviting about the thought of a slow, relaxed morning with my loved ones. 

It isn’t that we never see each other at the end of the day, or at dinner during the work (or school) week, but our Sunday tradition is a little extra special. They are always there for me, so when I wake up first on this day — as I usually do — it is almost like a way of giving back. 

A batch of my famous strawberry crepes or oatmeal pancakes is one way I like to show my appreciation. I also enjoy the quiet of being the first person to come downstairs, soaking in the calm of it all. Maybe it’s the extra time to ensure everything’s just right, or the added opportunity to showcase my creativity at breakfast, but nothing compares to this tradition. 

Everything just runs more smoothly when we spend the time together, while another aspect remains completely nostalgic. 

As a child, our Sunday morning breakfasts made the difference in keeping us close as a family. It was my time to catch up with my dad over world issues (seeing as he always brought in the newspaper), or play practical jokes on my little brothers (not so little now) before the cartoon marathon, and bond over girly things with my mom like hair and fashion. 

This bonding experience sometimes accompanied a trip to my grandma’s hair salon, where the women in the family still visit for pampering. After all this, I am happy to say my inner child still reigns on this day.

— Alexandra Christopoulos