In this newsletter

A note from ME

• storybooks for Christmas


• questions for your relatives

Recent website additions

• new family reunion announcements


• family reunion planning guide

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Editor’s note

My kids are getting THE coolest Christmas present ever! Okay, well, I think it's cool - hopefully they do, too.

Both boys are always asking me to, "Please tell me a story from when you were a little girl," so I decided to gather a few pictures and stories in storybook form. And, of course, I used Heritage Makers to make and publish the books. I can't wait to see if the books increase or decrease their need for "little girl stories." :-)

I recently confirmed reservations for our family's reunion location at Squirrel Creek Inn and Ranch in Ashton, Idaho. If you're looking for an Idaho family reunion location, I'd highly recommend them!

Even though December isn't peak family reunion season, it is a great time of year for getting some family reunion conversations going. With that thought in mind...

5 Questions to Ask Your Relatives

1. Should we have a family reunion?
   
   Find out who else has "family reunion" on the brain. Fact of the matter is, if you're the only one interested in having a reunion; it's going to be a tough party to plan! BUT. Surely there are others who think it'd be fun to see Cousin George again and wonder what Aunt Sally is up to. Find those relatives. Start to plant the seeds. Generate interest and excitement.
2. How much of the family tree should we try to gather?
   
   Start with your immediate family - your own brothers and sisters and parents. If that initial family unit is strong, extend farther with cousins, aunts and uncles. Or, if you're curious about how many other descendants of your grandparents (or great, great grandparents) are out there and want to include them all, you'll need to treat the family reunion as a type of research project. Find your living relatives and invite them all.
3. Who wants to help plan?
   
   Interest among family - for attending and planning - will vary. But regardless, don't think about tackling a family reunion all by yourself. There are two reasons for this:
   1. It's too much work and not enough fun.
   2. More of your relatives will want to attend if they have an assignment or are directly involved.
4. Where should the reunion be held?
   
   Typically, a reunion is held in one of three places: the hometown of the reunion planner, the "homestead" of the matriarch and patriarch, or a geographic central location. Talk in general terms first (camping at a state park verses an afternoon at an amusement park) and then get more specific.
5. What time of year - and which year - should we meet?

Don't be afraid to start conversations and generate interest for a family reunion that could still be 3-4 years out. It just might take that long to gather a comprehensive invitation list for various family branches. Plus, it'll give everyone a chance to really plan and save money if necessary. I, personally, would love to go on a family reunion cruise. But that is definitely something that we would have to save for.

For those of you that ARE gathering for reunion festivities in the next couple of months, don't forget my e-book, "Punt! The family reunion planning guide for when you don't have time to plan" is the perfect comprehensive guide for fun family games and full of reunion-specific tips and tricks.

As always, I welcome your comments and feedback - simply reply to this email.

I wish you all the best, especially during this holiday season,

Lydia
www.Family-Reunion-Success.com
{Add meaning. Make memories.}

Recent website additions

Several families have announced upcoming reunions. Check out who's gathering and then make your own announcement.
http://www.family-reunion-success.com/family-reunion-websites.html#VisitorPages

Family Reunion Planning Guide

This family reunion planning guide is a simple yet comprehensive approach to family reunion planning. The e-book is full of games, tips, activities and ideas that require few props and prep time.
http://www.family-reunion-success.com/family-reunion-planning-guide.html

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