A family reunion offers an opportunity to step back from the pressure of daily life, reconnect with extended family members and reaffirm shared values. It can also introduce younger generations to their heritage and the legacy of previous generations. In the best cases, family reunions bring people together who otherwise would not have kept in touch, allowing them to build new relationships.
Reunions are often sparked by a specific event or milestone, such as an anniversary or birthday. But they can also be triggered by an impending death, a job promotion or even a return home from prison.
It’s important to start planning reunions well in advance. Six months to a year is ideal, giving families the chance to request time off from work, make travel arrangements and plan activities. It’s also helpful to send out a poll to see what dates and locations are most convenient for the majority of family members.
Social media offers a great platform for keeping up with one another before and during the reunion. Create a dedicated group page where you can share announcements, set up photo albums and keep everyone up to date on events. Choose several family members to be administrators of the page so they can manage communications and ensure a civil atmosphere for discussion.
At a reunion, it’s also a good idea to have a designated “keepsakes collector.” Have attendees provide information ahead of time on heirlooms they’d like to share and then pass them out afterward. It’s easy to personalize these keepsakes, too. Jazz up name tags with a map of each person’s hometown or place a childhood picture next to their name.
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