Some families are big on reunions. Others never get together, except maybe for weddings or funerals. And others don't gravitate toward home even then.
Your family may be crazy about reunions, or it may be driven crazy by the mere thought of one. But either way, you can keep your clan close if you want to.
You're the senior honcho now, and if you whistle, chances are some of your progeny will be glad to come running. Want to give it a shot?
There are details galore to consider and whip into shape. If you are an old hand at this, it may be less perplexing, because it's all familiar territory. Even so, for all but the tiniest families, there's alot of preparation to wrangle with beforehand.
But don't let the details scare you. Just get started early. Very early. And get help.
You'll need to decide where to meet, and for how long. Will there be food (almost certainly) and if so, how much, and when? Who will provide it and how will this be accomplished?
Will there be shelter in case of rain? Activities for bored children (and grownups)?
Who in the clan loves to take photographs and videos? Ask them if they'd like to put something together for the reunion. The more photographers and movie-makers you have, the merrier.
Will people need to bring their own seating or utensils? Do relatives who are native to the area love to cook?
Let them have at it, using funds from the rest of the grateful group who doesn't want to cook. Other folks can bring side dishes or snacks to augment the main meal.
Nobody is that crazy about cooking? Let everyone bring a little something, so nobody carries the burden.
Or collect funds to have the event catered. Ordering two dozen pizzas can have its appeal too.
Reunions lend themselves to a number of different kinds of locales. A park or beach area are suitable meeting grounds.
Are many of the family coming from out of town? Are there relatives who'd love to have them stay for the duration? If that's not feasible, make sure there are plenty of places for people to book a room or two in the area.
If you're going for something a little more upscale, consider having everyone booked into the same hotel, renting a beach house or cottage -- or two or three -- or staying at a resort.
Consensus as to when to reunite may or may not be possible, but you'll want to pick a date that as many relatives as possible can show up for.
And once the date is picked, make reservations. Immediately.
Lastly but perhaps most importantly of all -- whether the older generation is heavily represented or if you are the one and only, consider the virtues of having a place to let the weight of the world fall away.
Naptime isn't just for toddlers, you know. Make sure there are little oases for tired young and old clan-members to lay their head and re-energize when needed.
Sources:
Planning a family Reunion. Futureyears.com. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
http://www.futureyears.com/social-life/family-reunion.html
Vacations for Older Couples. Ehow.com. Retrieved March 13, 2012.
http://www.ehow.com/list_6605479_vacations-older-couples.html
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