The Family Reunion

Many people at this time of the year stage family reunions. It is a wonderful way for families that live at great distances from each other to get together. Some folks have reunions that last for a couple weeks while others plan theirs for close-by relatives for an afternoon. Either way it is a wonderful time to explore memories of the past and reconnect in a meaningful way. The theme is love, family, and childhood.

We won't focus on decorations as much, but if you want to have fun use the look of childhood days. Colorful streamers and balloons can decorate ceilings, walls, doorways, picnic table, and decks. Prepare large cardboard boxes by painting them like children's blocks. Set large toddler toys all around or old-fashioned antique ones. Hang children's kites on the walls, and place all day lollipop cut outs all over to add a setting for a return to youth.

Foods can be family favorites for a hot meal indoors or a traditional picnic or barbecue. Remember to have plenty of food available since appetites increase when we gather with loved ones just as they do in the fresh air outdoors. Everyone can supply their favorite family recipe or one or two people can cater the whole event. Most time it is more fun if it is a group effort. Guest should pick foods that were special in their childhood. Tell guests to bring several printed out copies of the recipe they most want to share with family. Add more fun by asking them to tell everyone why this is such a significant recipe. The stories will be as delicious as the food.

No reunion would be complete without sharing photographs. Bring out the albums for many sweet memories. Each person attending the reunion should also bring his or her baby picture. Display them on a table neatly. Put a number below each photo. Supply guest with pads and pencils for each person to guess who was who. A grand prize could be offered.

Any genealogy buffs can take advantage of the shared time to gather facts about members that are gone, but important to the family tree. You could just find out more than you ever wanted to know about your family. It always makes for very stimulating conversation.

If possible, ask all guests to bring an oversized white T-shirt. Supply a large selection of colored markers for everyone to autograph each other's short as a memento of the celebration. It is a good idea to sign the shirts while they are not being worn unless you are crazy about body art.

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