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Today, it can be challenging to get the family together… How about rekindling family ties with a family reunion? The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers some planning tips on setting the date, menu ideas and recipes, and more.
Setting the Date
The most important decision when planning a family reunion is choosing a date. Many family reunions are planned at least a year in advance, allowing everyone to set aside time and money. Propose a date or several options to the family members and select the date with the least conflicts.
Weather
Because many reunions are outdoors, weather is critical. As you set the date, consider “typical” weather in your location.
Check the weather from past years to get a sense of what’s “average.” See our Weather History tool. Another resource is the Almanac’s famous long-range weather forecasts. Check out your free two-month long-range forecast here. Note the chart that shows you the average monthly temperatures and precipitation for the full year. Notice which months are the wettest and which are the driest.
Time of Year: The Sun
A popular time to gather is between June and September because the weather is better, school is out, and the days are long and sunny! However, holiday reunions are popular, too. See our free Sunrise and Sunset calculator.
The Moon
Many reunions are held in public or private parks, campgrounds, nature preserves, ranches, or farms. If you’re camping, you’ll have a more magical time if the Moon is lighting up the sky. See our Moon Phase Calendar for when the Moon will be full.
A big part of every reunion is the cooking—and the eating! We say, Take the pressure off! Go potluck. Picnic in the park. Light up the grill. Spend more time with each other.
We hope our planning tips and recipes help you to plan a wonderful family reunion. If you’ve organized or attended a family reunion before, don’t hesitate to share your tips and stories with us!
I don’t have to look up my family tree, because I know that I’m the sap. –Fred Allen, American comedian
Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann