Family Reunions

Children running around in circles.  Grown ups chatting it up and enjoying the company of others.  In many ways, this happens all the time.  But, when every person in the group is related, it is a family reunion.

Family reunions are special times to spend with those far and near, coming together under a family bond.  It requires time, forethought and careful planning.  Give a good year for preparation of a family reunion.  The more time there is to plan, the more organized and put-together the event will be.  Here are some thoughts to make this year’s reunion a hit:

Contact EVERYONE and then some - Go through Christmas card lists, old address books, emails…anything that is available that constitutes contact information for a relative.  Then, tap their resources, too.  That second cousin on the other side of the world just might have every relative’s contact information for the past six generations.  Ask and you shall receive!  Do not let distance deter any invites.  People will make special trips for events like a reunion if given enough time to prepare for it.

Delegate, delegate, delegate - if the event is for a large group, assign others to help with entertainment, clean up, set up, decorating, food and invitations.  Trying to take everything on alone is reunion suicide.  Ask for help, and if anyone offers, take them up on it!

Pick a date - many have reunions over holidays, long weekends, or at times when everyone isn’t so tied down to jobs and schools.  Let people know well in advance of the date for the best travel rates.  Planning a year or two in advance is not unheard of.  Send out a “Save the Date” postcard before finalizing plans so relatives know when to expect the big event.

Location - consider the size of group when choosing a location.  If a family member offers a home, be sure that the group can be accommodated in the home.  Block hotel rooms for out of town guests to get. And, think about the weather - indoors or outdoors, at home or in a separate location.

Delegate the budget as well.  Set a price to cover expenses and divide it among all the attendees.  No one should have to carry the financial burden alone unless that is the choice they make.

Activities - scavenger hunt, games, quizzes, races…choose a theme that is good for all ages, too.

Special memento or gift - family cookbook, t-shirts, hats, picture frames (with a group picture to follow), family address book, copy of family crest, etc.