Family reunions are a great way to reconnect with loved ones and remember what’s really important in a crazy world. But what if you’re tired of boring meet-ups around a cold buffet table? Here are just five ways to bring a little excitement to your next family reunion.
1. Organize a Scavenger Hunt
This is especially fun if you’re hosting the reunion in a wide open space like a farm or campground. Create clues out of family jokes and traditions; use pictures, mementos and childhood relics to set up trails; send your relatives on wild goose chases filled with laughter and nostalgia. The winner can receive a homemade scrapbook that celebrates your family and everyone in it.
2. Host an Auction
To cover the costs of food, porta potties, and other amenities at the reunion, consider hosting a family auction. An auction can be a fun way for family members to show off their art and baking skills, as well as get rid of interesting trinkets in their garages, all while funding the reunion’s costs. If you’re planning on making the reunion being an annual event, the auction can fund future reunions.
3. Make Family T-Shirts
Bring everyone together with the painting, coloring or tie-dyeing of family T-shirts. Not only is it a fun and engaging activity that will occupy relatives of all ages, but it can also be the first step towards a one-of-a-kind family photo. If you’re looking for something nicer, design a printed shirt at a business like Absolute Screen Printing and order a matching one for everyone. As everyone poses in their matching T-shirts, you’ll create a keepsake that you can treasure forever.
4. Declare a Theme
If you hold family reunions every year, consider spicing things up by turning them into themed events. For example, one year might be “the best of the 70s” where your older relatives can break out the bell bottoms they’ve been hoarding in their attics. Another year might be “potential careers for your children” where everyone dons a costume based on their children’s craziest dreams and aspirations.
5. Create a Gift Exchange
You don’t have to wait for Santa to enjoy the giving and receiving of presents. A few weeks before the reunion, match everyone with a gift recipient and swear them to secrecy. What follows will be a delightful exchange of calls, visits and trips between family members as they fine-tune their gift ideas. It will also give them something to look forward to during the reunion!
These are just five ways to breathe new life into your family reunions. At the end of the day, however, the most important thing isn’t your theme. It’s the fact that everyone is gathered together to love, remember and appreciate one another.