Family reunions . . . some individuals and families love them; some hate them and avoid them like the plague. Regardless of your thoughts, family reunions play a vital role in strengthening families. They are designed to establish healthy family relationships by providing opportunities for family members to connect/reconnect, reminisce, share family history stories, create new memories, and add meaning to life all while having fun.
Whether you come from a large or a small family, planning a family reunion can be a daunting task. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Solicit help from family members. Identify a contact person from each nuclear family to assist in the planning process. Not only does this alleviate one person from doing it all, but this person serves as the communication contact person for their respective family. By soliciting help from others, you’ll gather more input, thus increasing your chances of planning a reunion that has something of interest for everyone.
Thing to consider when planning a family reunion:
• Location – personal residence or a rented facility. If using a rented facility, consider ways to generate dollars to help support rental fee – white elephant auction, pass the hat, develop and sell a family cookbook, or offer a 50/50 drawing.
• Date & Time – keep consistent from year to year (first Sunday after Labor Day – lunch at 12:00 noon)
• Invitations – informal or formal
• Menu – potluck or assign dishes for families to bring – i.e. main dish, side dish, salads, finger foods, desserts, etc. Rotate on an annual basis.
• Activities/Entertainment – plan activities that are age appropriate, of personal interest, and appeal to everyone. (Search the Internet for endless possibilities.)
• Travel/Accommodations – travel is a major consideration especially if you have family members from coast to coast. Be cognizant of this when selecting a location and date.
As you begin planning your next family reunion, consider creating a fun family party that will deepen relationships, make memories and add meaning to life. Remember, family reunions are designed to be fun, while creating lasting memories for the whole family. Relax, let go and enjoy.
Resources:
Chenault, Jerry A. Fun Ideas for Family Gatherings, Metro News, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Traywick, LaVona, Dr., Family Reunions, University of Arkansas System.
Planning a family reunion that will add meaning and make memories. Retrieved from http://www.family-reunion-success.com, June 27, 2013.
Family Reunion Ideas for the Perfect Reunion. Retrieved from http://myfamilyreunionideas.org, June 27, 2013.
Written by: Cynthia R. Shuster, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Perry County, Buckeye Hills EERA.
Reviewed by: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ross County, Ohio Valley EERA; and Elizabeth Smith, NE Regional Program Specialist, SNAP-ED, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension.
Reviewed by: Jennifer Lindimore, Ohio State University Extension Office Associate, Morgan County, Buckeye Hills EERA.
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