Step 5. Hold Your Family Reunion!

You've done everything you can to plan and prepare for your family reunion. Now your efforts will pay off with a reunion that family members will enjoy and remember.

• A Good Luck Wish

As you start your family reunion, take with you our wishes for good luck along with some tips to get your going.

• Welcome Family Members

Give family members a hearty welcome as they arrive, and take care of registering them for the reunion.

• Break the Ice with Games

Start teens and younger family members on games right away. Adults can join in if they like.

• Eat Together

Since ancient times, eating together has had special meaning. Enjoy the occasion with your family.

• Present a Program

A program, preferably about your theme, can create long-lasting memories and focus the attention of family members on their shared heritage.

• Show Off Heirlooms

Heirlooms are the physical reminders of our ancestors. Showing them to each other helps family members understand their history.

• Record the Reunion

In twenty years, this family reunion will look like ancient history to a new generation. It will be a source of interest to future generations as well as those who attend.

• Do Genealogy

Knowing who ancestors and descendants are gives us roots. Spend some time on sharing this information at the reunion.

• Take Care of Trouble Makers

If your reunion is large enough, you'll probably have someone there who causes trouble.

• Clean Up

Sure you have to clean up the trash and return anything you borrowed or rented. But you need to save the memories, too.

A indicates a task that is essential for all family reunions. Unstarred tasks may or may not be essential, depending on how you structure your reunion.