Summer is a popular time to put together a family reunion. Most people book their holiday’s during the warm months and the kids are out of school. it’s a lot of work trying to sync up everyone’s schedules.
You also need to plan activities. Kids need to be entertained and teenagers need to be engaged, as well. it’s not an easy undertaking, but here are some steps to make it easier.
Help Planning Your Family Reunion
Planning ahead and getting help from your family will make your reunion the event of the summer.
Get a HeadCount:
You need to know how many people to expect. Make sure you begin early. Leave a bit of wiggle room for new boyfriends, deaths and last minute cancelations.
This is important for booking a space, be it a hall, a campground or hotel rooms. It’s also important regarding food.
Location:
Not everyone will live close and count on someone being upset they have to travel. Plan around the elderly folks, new moms or those who may have trouble getting there due to cost or a lot of people to transport.
Food:
This will depend on location and the final count of people. Potluck is often a great way to make sure everyone gets fed and there is enough food. Get it down in writing who will bring what to keep the repeats to a minimum and make sure everyone gets fed.
Keep in mind people’s allergies and special diets, like vegetarians. If you are meeting in a park or campground, you can cook outside and use the park tabes. If it’s indoors, you can consider having it catered.
Who’s Who:
If it’s a large affair, there will people who have grown, changed and there will be new kids and partners. Having name tags made up will help with the awkwardness of not knowing certain members.
You can have tags made up to explain who people are, to help sort out everyone. Make an ID card that says who each person is, “Wendy’s Husband” or “Kevin’s daughter” This will help to identify those people you haven’t seen in a long time or newer members.
Entertainment:
The little ones will need to be entertained. You can have a variety of games for them to play, outdoor games are the best. If there is a park, then bring your own outdoor games to keep them from getting bored.
Teenagers will just spend their time staring at their phones and Uncle Mike will get out his banjo and sing all those colorful songs that embarrass Aunt Julie.
RSVP
Family reunions are a great chance to see everyone and catch up. Take advantage of the time to repair relationships, talk to your elders and learn about your history. Take lots of pictures, reconnect with old family and make friends with the new ones.
If you plan on having the reunion at your home, good luck and keep reading for some tips for getting your home and yard ready for company.
Read More:
- Fundaments of Happy Family.
- Tackle Your Shredding This Family Day.
- Planning a Family Vacation as the Kids Grow Up.
