Epic Family Reunions In 6 Simple Steps

Hooray for the holidays! It is a season surrounded by giving, friends, and family. And with family so present in my heart and mind this time of year, I wanted to share a tradition near and dear to me… that actually occurs at the end of every summer. 

My family has had a 62-year running annual reunion, and I’m quite proud of their accomplishments. It’s a truly special occasion!

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Since I feel like they have created something significant, I wanted to share some of the tips that make the reunion a success. 

Hopefully they help contribute to your [amazon_textlink asin=’B07DWB1R3K’ text=’family reunions‘ template=’ProductLink’ store=’poms2moms-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3e9d9fd1-f728-11e8-9a94-7530ba80ef93′], or just establishing some new traditions.

This post is mostly focused on destination family reunions but partly applies to local reunions as well. 

Send us your tips, too!

GETTING STARTED

1.) Pick a date and location, and put it on the calendar. 

That sounds obvious, but look six to 12 months out and mark that date. (Hey, NOW is the perfect time!) 😉  Push it out early to everyone, and then hold onto it like it is FIRST priority.  Make sure the whole family knows to block off that time. Don’t cancel on yourself, or shift it around.

2.) If you can help it, don’t change the dates year to year.

Sticking to this is important because if you keep that same date every year, your family knows the same week to request off of work ahead of time.  If everyone looks at the time period as “off limits,” then other events won’t get in the way. You’ll begin to anticipate the dates and before you know it, and naturally refer to it like any other holiday period!

MECHANISMS FOR SUCCESS

3.) Get everyones’ favorite dishes involved!

If you are spending several days together, you’ll share plenty of meals. We’re talking food for a crowd! My family has developed a few favorite meals that we’ve gotten down to perfection.

4.) Have a sign-up sheet for cooking and cleaning.

If folks volunteer to clean up after dinner one night, then they can enjoy the other night relaxing.

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The duties should be evenly spread. Pairs can sign up and create their own unique meal for the family. When you haven’t seen your cousin in a while, teamwork together in the kitchen gets you right back to that close relationship and creates some fun memories, too.

5.) Ensure each person gets a room. 

Just as nice it is to catch up with family, it’s also nice to retreat to a quiet place at the end of the day. With this in mind, when you’re planning your reunion, do your best to get a house that can accommodate the whole family.  My family recently had to spread out to two houses so that the grandkids who had grown to start their own families have spaces.  When planning, and when considering budget, my recommendation is to make that a priority.

6.) Despite the work, know that it’s WORTH IT.

Some of the best memories that I have ever made in my entire life — no exaggeration here — have been at the beach with my family.  It has been a tradition I’ve been proud to show Brad, as he joined the family and began to make his own beach-trip-memories with us. I feel closer to some of my cousins and relatives that live far away, because even though we don’t see each other often, we are able to pick up where we left off every time we see each other at the beach.

While it may be inconvenient or time-consuming  at first, the memories are priceless.

Did anyone else have a family reunion this past summer or fall? Share your story here!