Family Reunion Tips that Make Unforgettable Holiday Gatherings

The Holiday season is fast approaching. As the countdown begins, many are excited to celebrate the joyous season with loved ones. Some families look forward to going on vacations while others are busy planning a family reunion. The holiday break is a chance to reunite and spend a special time with loved ones. The celebrations are eagerly anticipated especially when family members living or working abroad come home after being away from the Philippines for a long time. It might be the first time for some relatives who are residing overseas to see the younger ones in the family.

Planning a family reunion is commonly done at this time of year as it allows enough time to organize the get-togethers. If you need help, here are 7 family reunion tips to guide you in planning those much-awaited memorable holiday gatherings.

6 Tips for Planning a Family Reunion This Christmas Season

1. Decide On The Budget.

You need to determine your budget if you are planning a family reunion. It is sometimes costly if you think about the food, drinks, souvenirs, and other expenses. You may want to hold the get-together at home, in a restaurant, or on a trip out-of-town. Whatever your decision, it helps to estimate your spending and decide on your budget. You can also ask your relatives who are joining the reunion if they want to share some of the costs. Individual families can divide the expenses, too. If you are planning a family reunion at home, you can choose to have a potluck for other family members to share their specialities with the clan. This will also allow equal share of responsibilities.     

2. Select The Date And Location Ahead of Time.

Choose the most convenient date and place for everyone if you are planning a family reunion. This ensures that more family members will be able to attend the special occasion. It could either be during the weekend or the school break. 

• Ask the family members for their availability and preferences.
• Inform them about the final date and venue ahead of time so they can prepare or take a leave from work.
• If you are holding the family reunion out of town, make sure that all necessary arrangements are done before the date.
• Choose a venue that is large enough for the expected number of attendees.
• Do not overlook the accessibility needs of the senior members of the family. Make the gathering safe and convenient for them by checking if the venue has ramps or wheelchairs that they can use.

If you want to have a nature adventure for your family get-together, you can visit the lush greenery of Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay. With just a few hours’ drive from Metro Manila, Nurture provides a relaxing ambiance for the family. It offers various room packages including the Pamilya Package which is inclusive of an overnight stay in a family-type room and spa services, among others.

3. Celebrate With Scrumptious Food.

A family gathering is incomplete without great food on the table. They are not only a feast for the eyes but also for the tummy. If you are in charge of planning a family reunion, make sure to work on the food menu and look into special considerations.

• Serve local dishes and delicacies if you have families coming from abroad. They might have missed eating them after being away from the Philippines. 
• If it is a potluck, assign dishes and be specific about the number of servings required. This is to ensure that there wlll be a variety of food options that are enough for everyone.
• Be mindful of the health concerns of some older membes of the family. Prepare dishes that they can eat and avoid serving them foods that are sweet and full of fat.

4. Prepare Group Activities.

Bring in more fun and excitement when planning a family reunion. Organize some group activities so the family members can interact with one another. 

Games can include charades, pictionary, bingo, and other parlor games. You can also prepare videoke challenges and dance competitions. Give out prizes to the winners. Hold a raffle where winners can take home simple prizes. Hand out special awards to family members such as the early bird awardee, the person with the best Christmas-themed attire, the most infectious laugh, or the best potluck dish. To make it more enjoyable, fit the awards based on the members’ distinct personalities.   

5. Rent a Photographer or Photo Booth.

One of the family reunion tips for a fun-filled gathering is to rent a photographer photo booth. While mobile phones are normally used for picture taking, hiring a photographer will allow family members to making fun memories. Hire a photographer who can capture special moments that may take some time to happen again. Having a photobooth also allows creative shots that families can take home as souvenirs.

6. Make Time For Family Stories and Traditions.

If you are planning a family reunion, make sure to allot some time for family traditions like exchanging gifts. Inform the family members about the gift-giving ahead of time so they can prepare and buy presents. Set a standard amount for the gift. 

Another way to do this is by assigning a member of each family to share stories and updates that they want to share with their relatives. This is one way to catch up with their lives and get to know them better–even the younger generations of the family. Ask about the lives of those living or working abroad. 

Lastly, you can add a little nostalgia when planning a family reunion.Prepare a short video presentation composed of family pictures that will trace back the roots of the clan. This would be enjoyable to watch and will create opportunities for fun and meaningful conversations.

ALSO READ: Your Guide to Finding Family-Friendly Hotels in Tagaytay

Planning a family reunion during the holiday season is exciting especially if there are family members who you have not seen in a while are attending the special occasion. The gathering is a perfect time to make up for the lost time and update one another. Whether the family reunion takes place at home, in a restaurant, or out of town, what matters most are the wonderful memories that it can creare and the ties that will be reconnected.

A nice and homey atmosphere is perfect as a family reunion venue. Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay offers a relaxing and nice venue with rooms, amenities, and packages that are perfect for family members. Get in touch with us so we can help you plan for your next family reunion.  

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