The Cake & Coffee Tradition

Now I am almost positive that every family has some sort of tradition that they don't really view as a tradition, but in all actuality .... it only happens in that family! In my family, one of our very many traditions is the cake and coffee ritual.

I never  actually realized that this is a tradition until it came up in conversation between my boyfriend and I the other night. If you have ever ate dinner or spent a holiday in an Italian household than you have surely witnessed the cake and coffee ritual. However, did you realize the importance and purpose of it?

In my house, no matter what reason brought us all together, (holiday or just a regular dinner with company), the cake and coffee time is key. During this time, all the adults sit together at the table, a fresh pot of coffee is put out with all the deserts. Of course, the kids get first pick of what dessert they want, they are given a glass of milk and sent on their way to run rampant throughout the house. During this time, if you look closely, not one child gets yelled at or reprimanded. Why? Because during this time, it is ADULT TIME! All of us sit at the table, drink our coffee and just bullshit.

While the adults participate in this not-so-average cake and coffee ritual, they are secretly hoping that all the children are literally wearing themselves out so they can sleep on the ride home! If you have children, you know that one of the worst aspects of parenthood is taking long drives with screaming, hyper children!

I thought it was pretty funny that in four years, my boyfriend never realized that even though he doesn't drink coffee or indulge in cakes and pies, he is expected to sit by the table with the adults during the cake and coffee ritual! Sometimes it does take a new addition to the family to realize how many traditions your family actually has!

Gotta love us Italians. We make a tradition out of everything! And just so you know, if you do not sit by the table during this "adult time" you will receive random nasty looks and glances from the women of the family! LMAO