How to plan the perfect Family Reunion

CEBU, Philippines - December is usually the season for family reunions.  It is a time when family members gather and even those who are residing abroad join in on the fun.  Often, these gatherings are spontaneous and happen without willful planning. But after the revelries, we lament on the fact that we forgot to take pictures, the video camera battery ran out, we ran out of food and our cousins went back overseas without updating their contact numbers.  Several “if only’s” prop up but these regrets can never be corrected.

So when planning a family reunion it is best to do just that – plan.  Even the simplest gathering of your immediate family members need advanced planning.  The simplest reunion involves your parents, brothers and sisters, their children and their children’s children.  This group ranges from 15 to 25 persons and can be done with a picnic or barbecue at a family’s home or nearby park.

The park is complete with a pleasant looking gazebo with a children’s playground at Camella Communities’ Azienda in Talisay for example and there the children are sure to have fun and there are lots of trees so others can sit in its shade. Likewise, the park at Camella’s Riverdale farther up the hills from Talamban have large, fully grown trees and a mass of foliage with flowing waters cascading from an age-old rock.  Its landscaped garden has park benches that are perfect for family gatherings plus a cosy arena where you can hold exciting shows.

But when a reunion involves more than 30 persons then you need a more thorough planning method.  Here is a quick checklist on how to hold a family reunion.

One, make a guest list.  Compile a list of family members as far down, up and sideways of your family tree.  Find addresses of relatives by selecting a liaison from each branch of the family for communications.  You can also announce the reunion in the web.  Remember to collect updated information from family members before they leave and ask the guests to evaluate the reunion so you can improve on the next one.

Two, find a location.  As mentioned earlier a family’s home could do the trick and you can rotate homes every year. But sometimes it is easier to go to a restaurant or a hotel function room.  But reunions with themes require more imaginative reunions and it is here where a village park comes in handy.

Three, make a budget.  Larger groups involve larger budgets so plan for fundraising activities.  It is best you inform the family members of the cost ahead so they can prepare.  Also locate lodging for out of town guests and consider ahead whether you will hire professionals for entertainment or tap special talents of family members to make it more exciting.

Four, pool some ideas and find a theme.  You can email a survey for ideas.  Hold games and entertainment and develop a schedule for the reunion.  Get equipment for games and other activities.  Buy decorations and prepare awards, certificates and prizes.  You can create a family recipe book, a family history book and large family wall charts.  Let them create a family scrapbook with pictures and anecdotes, messages and dedications.  The idea is for each member to feel they belong and have a sense of pride for their roots.

Five, spread the word.  Create invitations that are unique and mail them months ahead then follow them up as the event draws nearer.  Six, prepare the food.  Plan the menu and get chairs, tables and grills and other items necessary.  Buy paper plates, napkins and plastic utensils and compile a grocery list.

Lastly, enjoy.  That’s the point of the whole thing the essence of the holiday season.