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Planning a family reunion this year isn't easy, as we all struggle to find safe ways to see loved ones. Our family has had to get creative with hosting outdoor grandparent visits. There's even talk of a back porch Christmas tree.
When making plans to get together, it's important to listen to the experts -- in some areas, health officials are recommending families not gather at all. But if, and when, it's safe for you to meet, here are a few ideas for planning a safer, more thoughtful family reunion.
Keep It Simple
This might not be the year for that giant reunion with dozens of family members. In addition to being safer, small gatherings have the advantage of more one-on-one time with each person. Is there something you've always wanted to do or a place you've always wanted to visit, but it wouldn't work with the whole crew? This might be the right time for that vacation idea!
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Paddle boats are the ultimate social distancing activity. They kept our family members six feet apart, even when my kids tried their best to crash into everyone else's boats. Photo by Josie McCamish.
Find Your Own Space
Many people may consider sharing indoor air a no-go when it comes to avoiding germs, and wearing masks 24/7 with your loved ones would be a bummer too, so look for separate accommodations when planning your reunion.
We recently met up with my parents at a lovely state park and booked neighboring cabins for our stay. We each had our own indoor space, and we headed outdoors to visit and chat while the kids made leaf piles nearby. A friend told me she met her extended family at the beach after finding two rental houses next door to each other; they met outside each day to play in the waves.
Renting an RV gives you the ultimate flexibility in family gatherings. If everyone else insists on staying at Aunt Petunia's and you hate to miss the fun, you can camp in the RV and join in on outdoor meals and activities. No RV but ready for adventure? Bring your tent!
For our recent family gathering, individual cabins provided room for everyone to spread out. We met outside for s'mores, hiking, and conversation. Photo by Paul Nicholson.
Play Outside
A silver lining of this year is the encouragement to stay outdoors. Make a list of safe, socially distanced activities for the whole family to enjoy outside. We rented paddle boats on our state park vacation; with members of the same household sitting together, we easily kept that important six-foot distance between boats. A bonfire with s'mores and family stories allowed everyone to chat and connect with plenty of distance between chairs.
Some traditional activities can be reinvented to be more germ-free. My boys have developed a soccer game where each family team must stay on their side of the field, kicking the ball long distances instead of hustling for the ball together. The kids' grandparents gave each grandchild their own copy of popular board games so they could mirror the play and facilitate distance playing. Battleship is an easy game to play six feet apart, but we've also played Ticket to Ride while duplicating the board on two separate tables. (Bonus: this also works over FaceTime and Zoom!).
Battleship is the perfect game to play across the patio. (Beware: Nine-year-olds are known to be board game sharks.) Photo by Christy Nicholson.
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Prepare for the Weather
Of course, the main issue with outdoor reunions is the unpredictability of weather. Whatever you plan, have options in case of rain. You don't want to drive seven hours and then never actually see family because you're stuck in separate houses all day. Before our state park trip, I researched vacation options to find cabins with screened-in porches. This ensured we could meet and visit even in the rain, with the screens providing plenty of ventilation. A large picnic pavilion is a great choice for distancing between bigger households.
Aside from the rain, cold is another threat to outdoor gatherings. But never fear -- you know those outdoor heaters restaurants use on their patios? They can bring warmth to your gathering as well! And don't forget the power of layers. As a southern girl, I never understood the appeal of long underwear until I spent hours wandering around German cities during winter.
A gorgeous view, a private boat dock, and giant leaf piles made our family trip to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park feel extra special. Photo by Christy Nicholson.
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Figure Out Food
The food. For many of us, it's the best part of family reunions, but in the time of coronavirus, it's problematic. While current studies haven't shown COVID transmission through food, there's concern about gathering closely in a buffet line or having serving utensils touched by multiple family members.
The safer bets are to skip the meal and focus on visiting, or for each household to bring their own food. But if you simply must have some of Grandma's cake or Uncle Ron's barbeque, consider having just one person cut or dip individual servings and fill plates. If you're the one preparing or serving food, consider wearing a mask and gloves for extra caution and peace of mind.
Avoid the buffet table by finding a local restaurant to prepare individual meals for each family member. Photo by Christy Nicholson.
Make a Back-Up Plan
Despite our best efforts, sometimes things just don't work out. (Trust the girl who was quarantined at home two weeks before Thanksgiving. Lucky for me, our COVID tests were negative and our outdoor celebration went on as planned.) Keep a backup plan handy in case of the unexpected. If your reunion gets canceled or you find yourself stuck at home, try to eat together over Zoom, share recipes via email, or gather virtually in Minecraft or Animal Crossing (at least your kids will love it!).
While we know this year is different from all the others, our families will look to us for how we deal with the change. We can complain and gripe, or we can use it as an opportunity to find new ways to have fun. I know which I'll choose.
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These are such great tips for these unfortunate times we are in. Staying outside is a fab idea – you can always dress for the cold and enjoy exploring the outdoors. Everyone having their own space to retreat to is important, too. Hopefully, we'll all beat this soon and be able to gather as normal!
Thank you – have been trying to convince the family that this year is the perfect year for a summer family reunion. Let's hope we can use this as a roadmap. Never tried a RV vacation but it sounds fun. (Also like your "How to Have a Family Vacation in London Without Going Nuts" article!)
We all need some good tips for making getting together with friends and family possible during these unusual times. Renting an RV seems like a great idea and so does planning a family reunion outdoors.
Getting an individual cabin away from the crowds is actually a brilliant idea and I'd love to have a family reunion in a place like that! Also, renting an RV would give you your own space and that would be awesome too. I plan to meet my family after 1.5 years next week and we will go for camping, taking our own tents. Can't wait to do that! Gotta keep in mind about planning for the food, like you said!
I think that playing and spending as much time as possible outside is a great idea, even in winter. Nature is such a lovely place and it recharges our batteries, so asking for nature's help is a great idea. I am convinced that we are more protected in nature than in the urban agglomerations.
I guess we all need a plan for how to cope with these trying times. Spending more time outside is not a bad thing though I guess. In England it's just become a lot more difficult, so hopefully, there's some light at the end of the tunnel soon.
Great tips here and doing some camping with my family members is something I am looking to do once the stupid Covid-19 Pandemic blows away. There is no way we are staying in hotels etc, give us tents or private villas until things calm down a bit, the more outdoors the better for us. 🙂
These are really good tips. With my past experiences of family reunions, I have definitely learned to keep the trips simple and not plan too many things in one go. I have definitely got into trouble with planning a lot and keeping a fast pace, which now I know does not work all the time.
These are great tips for having family reunions during the pandemic. There will be a wedding in my family next month. No doubt it will be a small and simple ceremony – just 20 of us, but we still have to try to keep it safe for everyone. You're right, outdoor feels safer for now, I think we'll try to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
These are fantastic tips for managing the family reunion last year, and even into early 2021 as we continue to cope with the pandemic. I love what you've highlighted – especially the piece about remaining outside, the single-serve meals (rather than our traditional family-style), and the Plan B are all incredibly important. These recommendations will continue to have value for the near future, thanks for sharing.