As much as we love our family and enjoy getting together with them to share stories and histories, sometimes it cannot be the most pleasant of experiences; especially when you factor in stress. So how do you preplan for such get-togethers so you can minimize (or hopefully avoid entirely) any unnecessary family drama? It’s easy, follow these few tips.
Create an environment of familial cheer. It’s easier now than ever to get in touch with family members before the event via wireless internet so you can chat before the big day to express your excitement about getting together. In other words, set the tone for a happy event before the event occurs.
Remember differences. Not everyone is like you, just as you are not like everyone else. Remember these differences and respect the boundaries they dictate. Just as you wouldn’t appreciate anyone imposing their opinions on you, why would you impose yours on anyone else?
Remember the reason. This is intended to be a time of joy, lightness, and warmth. Now is not the time to bring up issues that do not fall within those categories. If you have a subject matter that you’d really like to discuss with Aunt Sally find some time after the event to do just that why run the risk of creating drama for everyone else in attendance just because you have a bone to pick.
Not all family get-togethers are going to be suitable for a Norman Rockwell painting, so it’s best to get used to that fact now and not set yourself up for disappointment. Families are what families are a diverse set of dynamic individuals that each have something to offer the greater family unit (even if it might be in their own oddball way!).
Filed under: Uncategorized on January 13th, 2012 | Comments Off
Today, Genealogy has become a fascinating past-time for people who experience satisfying, pleasing moments of intrigue; moreover, it also provides several practical aspects worth covering below in this post.
A Definition:
Genealogy: Is the compilation of historical, anthropological and archaeological information of persons and lineages through the means of documented records and/or archives.
A Sense of Belonging and Being Family
In today’s fragmented twenty-first century one common trait among persons has been a desire to “connect” with their past and ancestral roots. This phenomena has prompted many Read more »
Filed under: Uncategorized on June 13th, 2011 | Comments Off
So did you just get done watching Braveheart or Gladiator and you are sitting there wondering if you are distantly related to William Wallace or Marcus Aurelius? How about wondering whether you have any relatives in a neighboring state or even the new city you live? Have you every thought about researching your family heritage?
In ancient times, records of relatives were kept either through word of mouth (passed on through the generations) or written on stone and papyrus. Luckily for those of Read more »
Filed under: Uncategorized on May 30th, 2011 | Comments Off
America is an immigration country. Everyone’s ancestors came from somewhere else to live the American Dream. We should all ask ourselves, how you got here from there. Luckily in this country there are immigration records. These records can be obtained but only if you know exactly where to look. Tracing your family back several generations and knowing exactly where you came from is fun, informational, and important.
One way to begin finding how you got here from there is using an online Read more »
Filed under: Uncategorized on May 11th, 2011 | Comments Off
Keeping visual memories of a family legacy can be a gift to pass down like no other. Sure, there are always going to be stories and anecdotes, but what is often most helpful in preserving memories are pictures since they are rock-solid capsules of time that can never be changed. There is little else that can preserve the past, enrich the present of inspire the future than a visual legacy, and one of the best ways to get your family’s heritage down is through scrapbooking. With literally thousands of options to choose from in archiving and cataloguing photographic memories, scrapbooking is becoming increasingly popular with the passage of time. You can choose Read more »
Filed under: celebrate your family on December 6th, 2010 | Comments Off
When you host your reunion at home, there are several activities that can boost your event. With a focus on family ties, the following pursuits are more than entertaining; they’ll strengthen those family relationships, too.Your family’s got talentTo learn more about your relatives, host a talent show. You may find out that Aunt Judie is a great comedian, or Grandfather Jim is an amazing harmonica player. Create fun awards for the best acts, too. Read more »
Filed under: family reunions on October 25th, 2010 | Comments Off
We are a nation that loves our television. Over the last decade, reality T.V. has been increasing in popularity. Now, our television sets are filled with family living shows; such as “19 Kids and Counting,” “Kate plus Eight,” “The Locator,” and “You’re Wearing That.” Not every program focuses on the close bonds between relatives, but they give us a look into the lives of American families.On TLC, two of the most popular family shows are “19 Kids and Counting” and “Kate plus Eight.” Each program features the story of a family with multiple children. “Kate plus Eight” follows the life of Kate Gosselin (Kreider) and her eight children. While the show is not currently running, you can still relive moments from the show online. After her split from husband Jon, the new series features this single mom raising her children. However, with more than half the children that Kate has, the Duggar family certainly has their hands full. Curious as to how they handle it all? Tune in Tuesdays to find out. Read more »
Filed under: family television on October 19th, 2010 | Comments Off
A wedding is a celebration of two families becoming one. So what better place to represent your heritage than at your ceremony? But how do you bring relatives into wedding dcor? For a personal wedding that showcases you and your groom’s family, incorporate some of the following ideas.A memorial tableIn honor of family members who have passed, present a memorial table at your ceremony or reception. Feature pictures of your relatives alongside vases of their favorite flowers. There’s nothing better than a home-made vase or frame to showcase your past; however, if you’re not a DIY diva, you can order and engrave items from most wedding sites. Read more »
Filed under: celebrate your family on October 13th, 2010 | Comments Off
If you haven’t seen your extended family for the last decade, it can be hard to find something to talk about. In an effort to avoid those awkward silences, hold your big event where there are plenty of attractions. Better yet, find a venue that requires team-based activity. Not only will your reunion spark great conversation, but valuable memories, too.A Bowling AlleyRegardless of the differences in age, a bowling alley offers entertainment for the young and young at heart. As a leading name in American Bowling, AMF is a great choice for your event; however, depending on your location, Lucky Strike is a great alternative. This high scale bowling alley, restaurant and bar provides for a memorable background to your event. Both AMF and Lucky Strike offer private parties, too. If you opt out of the party plan, make sure to call ahead and check availability. Read more »
Filed under: family reunions on October 6th, 2010 | Comments Off