Do you like or dread family reunions?
918022
I like most of them just a couple I can't stand.
210041
I find it kind of boring... but real disadvantages?  Well, sometimes one can feel left out, like they don't have a close enough relationship with any one family member.
295127
No.  Your family will always be your family.  They will always be there for you and only want the best for you.
34896
No, at least in the getto you get to see your family.
895044
Hello MsLadee\n\nThe type of activities use have at your family reunion event should largly depend on who is in attendance. First make a list of the folks likely to attend. Next to each name add the talents of these that are worthy of an audience and skills used on a professional level. Next consider what they already do for fun. All families have a personality and a common thread on interests that runs through them. Consider that interest when planning activities. Use the form below as a guide.\n\n \nName            Talent/Skill      Level                     Activity\n___________ Writing       (good)          Family Story Telling\n\n__________ Genealogy enthusiast      Family History\n\n__________ Arts and Crafts               Reunion Scrapbook\n\n__________Karaoke Clubbing good   Singing\n\n__________Write Poetry                    Poetry Recital\n\n__________Play in Band (pro)          Entertainment/Sound Stage \n\n__________Tours/Travel (good)       Homestead Tour\n\n__________Hiking/Biking/Rock Climbing   Family Olympics\n\n\nNow consider the following activities as to whether they are a good match.\n\nFamily Reunion Homestead Tour\nFind a historic spot that has a strong bearing on family heritage.\nSet up a tour complete with tour guide drawing on the talents of the genealogists, writers, poets and storytellers in the family.\n\nFamily Reunion Cruise\nLive entertainment, exotic food, Rock climbing, golf, tennis, gourmet food, spas, swimming, movies, some of the best food you've ever eaten, shows, parties, and did I say good food?\n\nStory Telling \nTell stories thru poetry, music, recital and oral story telling and stand up comedy. Story telling is often the height of the reunion event that brings back so many deep seated fond and meaningful memories. \n\nFamily Reunion Photo Swap\nMembers bring new and old photos including pictures with historic value and the great-greats at the old homestead and even previous reunions. Photos should be labeled with name of owner. \n\nFamily Reunion Olympics\nThe family reunion Olympic games is a great opportunity to hold special events allowing teams members from each family to participate while drawing close to one another. Sports events allow different age groups to participate. Each team selects its name state/county and design their own banner. It's a lot of fun.\n\nReunion “Survivor” Game \nThis game draws from the Survivor TV show. It will capture the attention of everyone. The key is to survive (complete) a series of daring feats including a jump rope line, keeping up the hoola hoop for 2 minutes, Dodge ball with Velcro vest and Velcro ball (20 hits). And so on, and so on... \n\nThe "Amazing Race" \nThe race borrows from the popular Television show and is sure to be a big hit. Select several families to complete a 3-mile race with several stops along the way providing destination clues. Cover the race with your live web cam wired to our computer and viewed on a big screen TV for spectator coverage. Use a cigarette lighter adapter to charge cam batteries. The race can be a one-hour event. \n\nAwards\nThe family that wins gets a gift certificate to a popular restaurant of choice, a prepaid debit gift card, tickets to a theme park, tickets to the Super Bowl, a trip Disney World or Paris, France and while we're at it why not visit the dunes on Saturn moons! ...maybe not. But definitely live it up on your next family reunion. \n\nEnjoy!
925397
It sounds like "old memories" type of deal. Maybe subconsciously when you go back home, you are remembering it and you feel like you can't recover in front of these people, so the fear comes back. Does that make sense to you?
890243
I know how you feel- no relaxed visiting- just a mad dash to make it to the next get together.  Its nice to be invited to more than one place, but it is a strain and really no fun to have to rush through a visit or dinner.  \n     You have a good idea, I think if I were you, I would go ahead and separate for the day to each family.  Especailly since you have family that you only see this time of year.  That time is precious- and you won't get the time back.
455627
Personally, as a parent, I think they are a bad idea. \n\nI do not know your situation, but if there was a reason I was estranged from my parents, its probably enough of a reason that I would not want my children around them either.  My child is mine to care for and raise, and I should not be forced to let him visit with people I do not want him visiting with.  Not to mention the complications it would bring for all the partied involved because of the feeling between you and your children.\n\nAlso, my son has a deadbeat father who is not a part if his life. He does not know his biological father and never will.  Should the court be able to force me to allow tha parents of his deadbeat father to visit him?  Then I have to explain who those people are and why his father is not around...\n\nBUT, I don't have grandchildren, so I can't give you an opinion from that perspective.
351392
I went to my 20th reunion.  Wouldn't have missed it and won't bother doing it again.\n\nI am one of those who was a "late bloomer".  I walked into my reunion with my husband and the "popular" group had no idea who I was.  Mind you our graduating class was only about 100 students (if that) so we all knew everyone in our class.  I was thin and young looking.  They were old and fat!  I loved every minute of it!
339667
Yes, I do. I get along with them really well. \nI live very far from my real family, and I honestly feel much closer to them than my real parents. And they treat me like I`m their daughter - I can call them up and talk to them any time. I`ve stayed at their house for weeks before when my husband was on business trips and I was lonely in the empty house. They`re great.
882178
I like to think back to the years when my family got together for Christmas dinner and there were a bunch of us to celebrate.  A lot of my family doesnt talk anymore so Christmas isnt as much fun.  Now I'm looking forward to having my own kids and my brother and cousins having kids so we can have a big family Christmas again.
504492
No, i would not.  i prefer my family to people from work.  I would much rather have the time with my family.  Even if the company is paying for food, transportation, hotel, i would rather not go.  I value my time with my family.  I do not prefer to socialize with people from work.  I already have my own friends that i like.
787534
We all do.   It is easier for me because if I don't make an effort to communicate with any given family member, other than moms, there are no further contacts unless at a funeral.  I do not value extended family because I do not see what makes an extended family member any more special than someone I meet anywhere USA and find a lot in common.  Relatives are accidents as far as I can see.  \n   As to a parent or a sibling, these people have a presumed access to us.  If any of them are evil, cut the cord.  Evil is defined by you.  That brings me to O.J. Simpson and his children.  They are now late teens or young adults and as far as we know they have a relationship with their father.  I don't know how that can be.  They know he murdered their mother and Ron Goldman and have a set of grandparents who are good people and took them in while dad was incarcerated and what are we to believe?  There has to be something wrong with any or all of the children if they have any kind of relationship with the sociopath.  Most likely he has bought them off and they lack the character at these ages to do the right thing.  \n   If mom is a ----- she can age and grow out of it.  If not, then tell her you won't be in her presence until she can learn to treat you and others well.  It is her choice.  Grandma is usually the puppetmaster.  If she's a puppet, well look at who raised mom.  If grandma admits she is hopeless in mom's presence then take pity on her and just be decent.   No law that says we have to talk with anyone in this life.
167639
that's just gross...why would anyone want to do that?  cause they can't find someone for themselves outside of the family reunion?  nasty!
1050497
Absolutely...family get  togethers are always interesting, to say the least...nothing boring going on there, is there? And, you will always have someone to be mad at...all built into the family. You will always have a group that you will feel "better than." Think of the consequences of their being "perfect in everyway!" That would be a harder bunch to face than a bunch of loonies. Count your blessings..unless, of course, your wife is part of the madness...then you have more problems than this note can cover :-)
832330
I'm missing my little sister who committed suicide in August.  The holidays were HER season...she loved them. Can't wait until the next year or two has gone by. I won't miss her any less, but hopefully the pain will diminish with time.\n\nAs far as hating the holidays...  I do!  I have a family that either plans things the night before which aggravate me and I find inconsiderate or, they want to do a huge meal extravaganza that takes two days to prepare and another entire day to clean up after.  It just isn't feasible with everyone working and running amok before the holidays. Everyone bitches about it but no one wants to change to an easier routine or newer traditions.
208905
Yes. Family is very important to me and we are very close.