Sibling Reunions – Because Family is Important

Once upon a time, our parents did it for us (organising the family get-togethers, that is). Even when they were no longer up to the task, they were still the focus that brought you and your siblings together. Now your parents are no longer with you, or are more placed to enjoy visits from individuals or couples rather than larger groups, it’s easy to drift away from your siblings and their spouses. Especially so when you live in different parts of the country, or even the globe. However, family is important, and if you don’t want to lose touch with your siblings, perhaps it’s up to you to continue the connections. If you decide to take on the role, the tips below may help!

Start early

These days, everyone leads a busy life, so six months ahead is not too soon to pick a date for a reunion. In fact, if siblings are spread around the country (and especially if they live abroad) planning a year in advance is advisable.

The personal approach

It’s not unusual for siblings to lose contact with each other, or even to become estranged. Prior to planning a reunion, why not use the occasion to reach out to a sibling who has become estranged or distanced, and invite them back into the fold. If you think their attendance could cause acrimony, be sure discuss this with your other siblings before you act.

An excuse to travel

If you have a sibling living abroad, it can be the perfect excuse for you and your other siblings to travel to them. Test the waters – you never know!

Bear in mind budgets

Just because you’re siblings, there’s no reason to assume you all operate on similar budgets, or will enjoy the same style of accommodation. When choosing a location to meet up, bear this in mind, and opt for a location which offers everything from hotels to motels, and cabins to caravan parks.

Breathing space

You and your siblings, and your partners, may be very different people, in terms of personality. When organising a reunion, make sure there’s plenty of breathing space in the ‘itinerary.’ For example, you may all want to meet up for a shared breakfast and an evening meal, but do your own thing, or hang out with just one or two in the group, during the day.

Activities absorb

Re-grouping, especially if you’ve been apart from your siblings for some time, doesn’t always feel immediately comfortable. One way to ease into each other’s company again, is to engage in a joint activity, rather than sitting around a table. For example, are their hot pools where you can relax or swim while you pass the time with each other? Is there a local walk you can go on together, kayaks you can hire, or a mini-golf course you can lark about in?

Team-tag

We choose our partner, but not our siblings – or their partners. Which means, as well as times during the reunion when you are all together, you may also want to plan ‘time-out.’ For example, if most people in the group find your brother-in-law, ‘Robert,’ a difficult character, share him around with your siblings and their partners by taking turns to invite him out for coffee, a drink, a walk, a drive. However you do it, it will mean everyone gets to enjoy quality time together, without unwanted distraction.

Home and away

Don’t be tempted to make your own home the gathering place for a sibling reunion. You have enough to do organising the gathering without having to prepare your home in advance, and potentially feel the need to offer accommodation to out-of-town family. Choose a neutral location so the reunion becomes a break-away for everyone.

Commitment and cancellation

You may be doing the organising, but you don’t want to be left with the bill. Be sure to provide your siblings with information about accommodation, but let them make their own bookings. When booking restaurants or entertainment in advance, choose options which offer free cancellations.

Sibling reunions are seriously worth the effort, and whether they strengthen the family ties you already have, or forge those that have lapsed or never existed, it’s always up to one brother or sister to take the lead. Why not make it you?