What’s So Special About The Super Bowl?

Super Bowl Sunday.

The day that football fans of all ages look forward to all year.

And in our home, it’s no different.

Super Bowl is family time. While my husband and son plant themselves on the couch to watch the big game, I sit at my desk a few feet away and put my time to good use.

I shop online.

Hearing their screams of joy or frustration, occasionally I’ll look up and ask, “What happened?” and “Why do you have to scream so loud?”

It’s a bonding experience like no other.

Truly, this game holds no interest for me. If it weren’t for the commercials, halftime show, or Tom Brady, I would be at the mall.

As much as they try to explain the rules to me, there is nothing I understand about the game. There’s pushing and shoving and people running everywhere. And lots of men jumping on top of each other.

It must hurt like hell.

So, I don’t watch.

But, today, I broke with tradition and actually watched the game. The entire game. You see, we got caught up in the Super Bowl madness and invited a few people over. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Fun even.

Then I realized that when you invite people over to watch the Super Bowl, they fully expect to watch the Super Bowl.

Who’d a thought?

So I did my best Martha Stewart, and whipped up a bunch of snacks and cookies.

Unfortunately, my guacamole wasn’t winning any awards, my cheese and cracker plate was largely ignored, and my chocolate cookies were underwhelming. (Apparently, they were too chocolaty. Is that even a thing?)

It brought back memories of the Super Bowl Sundays of my youth.

Our house was noisy and full and excitement crackled in the air. My parents enjoyed playing hosts and we loved all the commotion.

My mom always laid out quite the spread to an enthusiastic crowd. Pigs in a blanket, shrimp with cocktail sauce, and the perennial crowd pleaser: onion dip.

My job was to pass out sodas to the guests: 7up, A&W Root Beer, Coke, and Tab. (If you know what Tab is, you’re old.)

While my mom and brother were the most enthusiastic about the game, football was the least important event of the day for me.

My brother usually invited a cute friend. And me, my sister and our girlfriends all acted like idiots around him.

Good times.

But I realize now that the highlight of Super Bowl has never been the kickoff or even the winning touch down.

It’s always been who I’m with.

And often, what I’m eating.

But, most importantly, who I’m with.

And that’s why every year, no matter how boring the game is (to me), I’ll be sitting in our den with the big TV, because Super Bowl Sunday is about being with the people you love. Even if you’re not paying attention to them.