Importance of Family Reunions

Celebrating Family

Anyone who has ever been to Thanksgiving dinner or spent the Christmas holiday with family knows it can be a testy time for all involved. It is a challenge to build close, enduring family ties when you only see each other on major holidays. However, embracing the importance of family reunions may transform these events into celebrations to look forward to, as family members come to see the many benefits of getting together.
Features

Each family has its own way of doing things. In that light, even tasting Aunt Mary's potato salad recipe is a chance to celebrate family traditions and create more memories specific to your own family. In fact, some families even prepare the same menu, with exactly the same recipes, year after year as a point of tradition for any given family gathering. In our culture, it is not uncommon for celebrations to center around food and drink and family reunions are no different.
Significance

There are often many planned social activities that are implemented at family reunions, particularly at outdoor picnics. Potato sack races, egg races, pie-eating contests, face painting ... the list goes on and on. Besides the obvious fun shared by participants during these games, they also provide abundant opportunities for laughter and family bonding. Some large families even have everyone wear name tags to help identify one another, which further personalizes the reunion experience.
Expert Insight

According to FamilyReunion.com, there are many ideas that can make a family reunion special for everyone, regardless of age. One such idea is to encourage story-telling to help members get to know one another. This is especially enjoyable for children who may hear stories they have never heard before about family members. However, as suggested in HealthDay, it is important to tell respectful stories that promote relationships. Not all stories are appropriate.
Potential

Family reunions are an important part of family life. They can help preserve fond memories, favorite recipes, stories and, most importantly, relationships that will last for generations. Given a chance, family reunions and celebrations can provide family members with important values, strong and lasting bonds, and a deep sense of belonging that they can pass on to their children and their grandchildren.