Don’t you just love those family reunions? Of course they are a great way to keep in touch with your extended family and teach your children about their heritage. But of course depending on who was doing all the planning it could be a very stressful time making sure it’s organized and everyone is happy.

Usually families figure out a date that is convenient and a place that isn’t too far from everyone’s home. I went to one of Bill’s reunions a couple years ago it was in Ohio and people came from all over, we really enjoyed it, but they like to plan one every year and that’s a bit much for me.

Family Reunions can be very difficult to get organized and that is usually the number one reason that they don’t happen as often as everyone would like. Not everyone in the family will be able to take time off work. Sometimes, someone might not even like the family and just skip the whole thing anyway.

There are way too many things to do to get ready for a family reunion. Communication is the most important aspect of the planning process and not everyone is in touch with each
other. Whatever you do make sure that you don’t try to organize the entire thing by yourself.

Many people try to do just that and it can really ruin the experience for them. If your spouse wants nothing to do with it, get a sibling or parent to help you, no one needs all that stress. Remember not to expect perfection because when you get a big group of people together, there is usually a few issues to deal with.

After you pick a date, you have to agree on a place. It could be the home of an older relative or just someone who has the biggest house or maybe a theme park. Food is always a factor at family reunions and whether you decide to have a barbecue or something catered remember that everyone loves to eat.

Family reunions always have their ups and downs and this can really get out of hand with your close family because people feel more comfortable teasing and insulting each other. My 2 sisters never grew up and they are both older than myself and they still acted hateful to each other last year when we were all together.

If alcohol is allowed at the family reunion then there is an excellent chance of people getting angry or offended. It really depends on the family though. Some families really get along great unfortunately mine wasn’t one of them.

Family reunions can be fun though and you’ll have all the pictures to look back at and remember all those wonderful memories. Just remember that people are unpredictable encase something weird should happen you’ll be better able to laugh and try to straighten it out.  

Next month we head back to Ohio for Bill’s brothers 50th wedding  ceremony renewal vows and there will be tons of people and I always get stressed out regardless of who is doing the planning because I detest large crowds. Oh well at least I’ll have a break from the computer.