Top 3 Tips
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Every family reunion is different just like every family is different. However, here are 3 tips that ALL families should follow to ensure a successful reunion:

1. START EARLY -- As simple as this may seem, it's really important. Too many family reunions start too late. I recommend starting a year ahead of time, but 6 months ahead will do in some cases (smaller families). The reason is that many people have to save money to travel to the reunion and some have to reserve vacation time at work. And this follows from the basic premise of ALL reunions and that is: "Everyone has the right to attend their own reunion."

2. SHOW THE KIDS A GOOD TIME -- "Continuation" is the essense of all families -- that's the reason they exist. For the most part, older people are the most enthusiastic about family reunions and are the ones doing the planning. But it's obvious to everyone that the kids are the continuation of the family, and are the ones who will be planning the reunion in 40 years. So the older people really want the kids to have a good time. And, of course, every kid always wants to have a good time, too. Remember: for a kid, it's not a reunion -- it's a party.

So take some extra effort and show the kids a good time. This is so important that we have a whole book dedicated to the subject (see Fun & Games for Family Gatherings). Older teens are often good at organizing the younger children. If no one in your family can do this adequately, hire a program director from the local Y or community center or church group.

3. TELL THE FAMILY STORY -- What's really happening at a family reunion is that the family story is being told in various ways. And this is the most important element of a family reunion. You can help this process along with memorabilia, home movies, scrapbooks, old photos, ethnic food and dress, ethnic music and decorations, family trees, etc. See Chapter 10 in Family Reunion Handbook.

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