Buried beneath our newly donned sweaters and frantic holiday preparations are the thoughts of joyous holiday reunions, filled with traditions from long ago and laughter at today’s antics. The act of bringing family, friends and loved ones together to reconnect and share life’s treats warms you deep down. It is a feeling that may last for a season, but whose memory can carry you throughout the year and beyond.
The following are six ways that families have found to capture the spirit of their reunions and the memories that spill out of them:
1. Sit for a professional portrait. I’ve had so many families come to me to capture their reunions on film. It’s a timeless keepsake. If you plan to do this, I recommend that you let all of the attendees know of the portrait well in advance so that everyone can come prepared to look their best. Many of my families find that it shows off the individuals well if you all dress similarly: perhaps wear white shirts and jeans or formal black.
2. Design silly t-shirts. Have you an artist in your family? Put her to work before the big event to create a memorable t-shirt. Or, if creativity isn’t your forte, simply print “Our Family Reunion, 2008” on a white t-shirt and have all of the children help you tie-dye them. Keeps them occupied and you’ll all walk away with a one of a kind souvenir.
3. Keep a guest book. When people arrive, ask that they sign into the guest book. To turn this old-fashioned tradition into a true keepsake, request that each person share a silly story about themselves or a personal favorite to go along with their message.
4. Create a family recipe book. Does Aunt Margie always bake the best brownies to share? Does Grandpa know just how to stuff the turkey? Ask each person to contribute a recipe to the family book. Be sure to include who contributed each one and a picture of the person.
5. Plant a tree (or bush) together. Imagine standing at the reunion site in 50 years with your own grandchild and pointing to a full grown oak tree. You’ll be able to relish in the surprise on his face as you tell him that, when you were his size, this tree was only two feet tall.
6. Create a photo book. Logon to a service, such as Shutterfly or Snapfish, where you can upload several photos from your reunion. To get the best “behind the scenes” perspective, ask several people to take pictures throughout the reunion and share them before you upload.
These are six ideas that I’ve used myself in years past or heard of from friends and neighbors who have attended holiday reunions. I wonder what other creative ideas your family has come up with. Do share!
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Kim's work is on display in her gallery at http://www.KimCrenshaw.com.
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