This undated photo provided by West Elm shows square wood trays for TV dining.

In a way, Super Bowl Sunday is a festive celebration of one of America’s beloved bad habits. No, not football – eating in front of the TV.

Studies suggest chowing down while watching television isn’t good for you. (If you aren’t really paying attention to what you are shoveling into your mouth, it’s easy to consume too many calories.)

In addition, frowning observers of American family dynamics have warned for decades that being glued to a TV while having a meal diminishes any prospect of meaningful communication.

Family member A: “What can we do to give our lives authenticity and meaning?”

Family member B: “Huh? What? Show’s on.”

That’s not anyone’s vision of gracious living. Paul Turner, SR

Dining with the TV on is verbotten in our home. Every now and then we'll have a pizza/movie night, but that's the exception, not the rule.

Do you dine with the television on in your house?

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