Make the Most of Your Family Reunion
From:
Misty Starks
175 days 23 hours 44 minutes ago
Whether your family is like the Huxtables or more like the Jeffersons, they still play an important role in your life, which is why thousands of Black families across the country will gather this summer for family reunions. These family gatherings are part of the rich heritage of Black people. For many, reunions are a chance to celebrate and remember unique family traditions, and take a much-needed vacation from the daily grind.
Nikki Toca, who is a Hurricane Katrina evacuee, says reunions are especially important to people from the Gulf Coast area now that many families have been torn apart by the 2005 disaster.
“I have a large family, and when Katrina hit, we all scattered,” Toca said. “Some family members are back in Louisiana, but a lot of them stayed in places like Atlanta and Houston, so getting together for a reunion is the best way for us to keep up with what’s going on in each others’ lives.”
Strengthening the ties that bind through reunions has been part of the Black experience for decades, and while some people look forward to catching up with their kinfolk, others are apprehensive about the event. If getting together with your family is like a scene out of Madea’s Family Reunion, consider these tips for making the most out of the event.
Go. Don’t stay at home and say, “Oh, I’ll go next time.” This is an opportunity for you to reconnect with relatives you haven’t seen in awhile, or to meet new family members and get to know them better.
Participate. If there are several events planned for your family reunion, don’t just stay in the hotel room flipping through the channels. You could do that at home. Go to the barbeque, the spades tournament, the church service or whatever activities are scheduled. Not only will you get your money’s worth, but you might actually have fun too!
Avoid the drama. No one knows how to push your buttons more than your family. Instead of being on guard, waiting for a snide comment from cousin Nikki or uncle Joe, keep a positive attitude and keep it moving. If you see tensions rise among other family members, try to diffuse the situation. The bottom line is, avoid the drama!
Meet new people. Maybe you tagged along with your husband or boyfriend to his family reunion and you don’t know a single person. Don’t let that discourage you from meeting new people anyway. Not only will you have a better time, but who knows, you just might meet someone who could recommend a great stock tip or connect you to your dream job.
Keep in touch. After the festivities are over and you’ve returned home to your normal life, keep in touch with your loved ones, or even new members of the family you just met. Don’t let a whole year go by with no contact. Send a Christmas card, an e-mail or birthday wishes to your kinfolk. After all, that’s what family is all about.
Follow these tips and you’re more likely to have a good time, or even find the motivation to plan next year’s reunion!
