When I first wrote about planning family reunions back in 2018 none of us could have imagined the events of this year. Yes, it’s been tough, but families still go on and it’s more important than ever to find ways to connect.
Are you able to plan a road trip to your family reunion? Parked in Paradise has some great tips about getting the most of your next road trip. Their Roadtrip Handbook to the USA is just what you need.
Maybe you’re planning a reunion for next summer? My friends at Life In Tandem Photography still take awesome wedding and event photos and here at Remembering the Time we still specialize in capturing the best stories to help you save your family’s memories for the future. Teamed up we are unbeatable!
Maybe you’re trying to pull off a virtual family reunion this year.
Is that even a thing?
Yes, ma’am, it is! Following are some ideas to get you started:
Here’s several additional ideas sure to ramp up the fun and connection at your next reunion, whether it’s virtual or in person. If you’re able to meet this year on a small scale, we hope you safely enjoy.
But, guess what?
You can try these games with your family at home. Videotape yourselves or take still photos, then create a collage version of your Family Reunion. You can even assign each family in your clan to try a different game and send in the results. You’re sure to find some new favorites among the following games that will get everyone laughing. Thanks to Brian at OutsideHow for sending this over: https://outsidehow.com/family-reunion-games.html
Brian notes that for many people “…deep down, their hearts seem to be yearning for meaningful relationships, amidst the havoc.” Reunions and family gatherings help us connect. Brian’s article is packed full of some of the best games for family groups. You could even put your own unique twist on many of these. He says, “Games bring a smile to people’s faces, they rekindle a kindred love and are fun.”
Here’s just a few from OutsideHow that are easily adaptable to a videotaped or virtual format:
“Who’s Who” Baby Picture Contest
Talent Show
Eating Contest
Tug of War
Selfie Hot Potato
Need more great ideas for family activities? Check out https://howdoesshe.com/5-bonding-ideas-next-family-reunion/ or take a look at this thorough list of 101 Family Reunion Games from Gathered Again.
This year, if you can’t share the delicious reunion food, share the recipes. You could have each family group make their signature dish, snap a photo of it with their family, and then compile them all into a cookbook. Remembering the Time can even take all those recipes, stories and photos and create an amazing keepsake recipe book that reflects your family’s unique history and tastes. Talk about a great Christmas gift for everyone! Gotcha covered.
Summer will be over before you know it – take the opportunity to hit a home run with your family reunion!
(article updated 1/20/21)