Summer is officially upon us and what a great summer it has already been! Pandemic restrictions are almost completely lifted and people are getting back to a life of visiting with friends and family. After not seeing each other for over a year, families big and small are planning family reunions. Even families who don’t typically have full reunions are hopping on the trend to make some post-COVID memories and to put the tough year behind them. An article in the New York Times, “As Restrictions Loosen, Families Travel Far and Spend Big,” tells us:
Travel advisers spent most of 2020 creating socially distanced itineraries for nuclear families that were already living together during lockdown. But now, they say, the most popular type of family trip is the reunion that brings far-flung relatives back into the fold.
Getting back to the traditional spirit of the family reunion
Many people tribute the tradition of family reunions to formerly enslaved African Americans who, after The Great Migration (1915-1940, where nearly four million African Americans migrated from the South to the North after being emancipated), searched for long lost family members. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture explains, “During these gatherings, extended family was significant, as families were separated and new kinship ties were formed in bondage. This family tradition became a tangible symbol of memory and resilience that endured slavery.”
While these are obviously vastly different situations, we do believe the spirit of family reunions should stay the same. We hope that this forced time apart makes family reunions about bringing back far-flung relatives, reigniting and strengthening bonds with loved ones near and far, and enjoying the blessing of family.
Family reunions don’t have to be about “spending big”
Pinterest has a ton of family reunion ideas like a Family Reunion Bingo game. And, let’s not forget comparing www.ancestry.com and 23andme results. Who doesn’t want to prove for once and for all that you can’t possibly be genetically related to all the seemingly crazy people in your family – the hospital must have made a mistake and switched you at birth!
Every family seems to have their own way of celebrating whether it is stories that are told, songs that are sung or family recipes that are lovingly cooked. There always seems to be 1-2 people who are the “family historians” and know the stories and genealogy. And of course, all families seem to have at least one “crazy aunt” or “crazy uncle”…or several, but we won’t start talking about our own crazy family at this time… (We love all of you!)
If your family is lucky enough to be able to schedule a family reunion this year, MoodClue liquid chalk markers are great addition to mark the occasion (and really any occasion, but we digress…). Here are our favorite ideas from our amazingly creative customers:
- Cover your car windows with “[ XYZ ] Family Reunion” then write the names of all your family members around the car and see who can find their name first.
- If you’re traveling and using a group shuttle or other form of transportation, everyone can sign their name on the windows to create a perfect personalized backdrop for a group photo.
- Host a potluck where everyone has to make a family recipe. Use MoodClue markers and small chalkboards so people can write the name of which recipe they brought.
- Have MoodClue markers at every table so people can write their names on their drinking glasses. People may be vaccinated but germs are still germs and this way people will know which glass is theirs.
- As always, MoodClue markers are also perfect for whiteboards, chalkboards, LED boards, mirrors and more, so get creative. Make personalized signs. Play games and keep track of the score. If you want to make a lasting memory, you can even use MoodClue markers to write in a memory / guest book. Most importantly, enjoy being with your loved ones.
Most importantly, enjoy being with your loved ones! If you do happen to bring MoodClue along, please send us pictures (but also next time, please invite us…”chosen family” counts!)!
About MoodClue
MoodClue liquid chalk markers are perfect for everything from decorating for events to playing games! MoodClue markers are available for purchase on this website and on Amazon Prime. Prices range between $14.95 and $24.95. All of our markers are eco-friendly, non-toxic, odorless and dustless. For drawing ideas, visit our Pinterest and Instagram pages. Brought to you with love by a mother-daughter duo.