Nowadays, it’s rare for the whole family to come together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. More often, the only times we really spend time together is on holidays and momentous events, like weddings and funerals.
Because of this, we tend to forget our roots, and move on with our lives without maintaining the bond with distant relatives. As time passes by, we eventually come to terms with not being able to see them. And, our effort and desire to reach out slowly fades away.
However, this shouldn’t be the case when it comes to family reunions. You may no longer invite your distant aunt or uncle to Christmas or birthdays, but family reunions are one-of-a-kind opportunities. It should be seen as a chance to rekindle and revive old relationships with the family. As members of a growing heritage, it’s your job to make sure the fire never dies out, and you’re all connected as one unit after all.
Since the holidays are coming around, you can expect invitations about your next gathering to start rolling in. Because we’re firm believers that you shouldn’t take these for granted, here are six reasons why you shouldn’t skip your family reunion.
Family is Important
Family serves as one of the first and most crucial influences in a child’s life. They provided us with a sense of belongingness and security, and showered us with endless love and support. They’re one of the reasons why we became who we are today.
Because they’ll always be in our lives from beginning to end, we should prioritize them as they do us. We should equally do our part in keeping the relationship alive, so they know we value them just the same. So, the next time you receive that invitation, make time to attend your family reunion. Instead of running through your routine, take this time to treasure moments with the ones who love you.
You Get to Learn Your History
During family reunions, you get to see your great grandparents and extended uncles and aunts, whom you possibly have lost contact with. What makes this momentous event special is that it allows you to reconnect with each other, and catch up.
In one of these conversations, there are usually stories about your elders when they were younger and how the family came to be. Whether it’s about how they were able to surpass life’s greatest challenges or the most memorable experiences they’ve lived through, all of these make up the history of your kin. This allows you to realize where you’ve come from, and gives you the chance to pay homage to your roots.
Life is Short
They say we ought to live life to the fullest because we never know when our last day may be. Life is short, and moments are fleeting. Which is why it’s also one of the biggest reasons for you not to miss out on your family reunion.
As we grow and focus on our own goals, we forget that our grandparents are growing older, too. Which is why it’s important to spend time with them whenever we can, even if it’s by attending once-in-a-blue-moon family reunions.
Even if you aren’t close with your more distant relatives, take the opportunity to establish a relationship with them. Make memories while you still can, so when the time comes for them to pass on, you’ll have a piece of their heart with you.
Reunions Keep the Family Tree Strong
Because of how extensive some families can be, it can be easy to lose touch with non-immediate relatives. Whether it’s because of distance, busy schedules, or varying interests, it’s expected to occur with any large groups.
So as to avoid completely fraying from one another, don’t miss out on attending gatherings, such as your family reunion. Since there’ll probably be a lot of chances to strike a conversation, events like this will definitely help keep all of you connected, even if you only see each other every once in a while.
Reunions Allow You to Meet New Family Members
With every year or in between each family reunion, there’s so much that can happen with another person’s life. Marriage, relationships, and even children could be born within that time frame. By attending these annual gatherings, not only are you able to catch up with your old relatives, you also get to meet the new members of the family. They could be one of your cousin’s spouses, or even one of your aunt or uncle’s new baby.
Regardless of the situation or who they’re with, it’s important to show your family that you care for them by meeting their loved ones.
Reunions are a Celebration of Culture and Heritage
A family’s honor and culture lie on the shared experiences, hardships, and values of its members. Since the entire clan gets to come together, consider it as a celebration of the rich legacy you all share. With this event, you get to remember the valuable lessons and teachings, and imbibe the beliefs passed on from generation to generation.
You are a living, tangible proof of all your family’s accomplishments over the years. And, by attending your family reunion, you’re continuing a tradition your family holds dear.
Show Your Family Love
If we haven’t stressed it enough, family is important and shouldn’t be taken for granted. Attending these family functions shows your appreciation for your loved ones’ existence, and all that they’ve helped you overcome.
No matter where you’re headed or what you’ve been through, your family will always have your back, and they’ll always be waiting for your return. So, starting today, have the courage to show up and be present.
Once you’re there you’ll be reminded of what makes your family special, and why you should never miss out on attending your family reunion.
