Your family is the backbone of your life and sometimes they can be stressful to say the least, but they are the ones that will be there at the end of the day.
When children start to grow up and everyone goes their separate ways in life, it can be difficult to keep in touch with those who are distant and it can get difficult to stay in touch with them when you don’t have your mother reminding you to give them a call from time to time.
So this holiday season, let’s all make an effort to get to know our family again, whether they’re distant or immediate.
We can get so caught up in our everyday lives that we forget we aren’t alone in this world, and that there are people out there that love us and want to know us.
The only way to reconnect with your family is to spark up conversations. Here’s some simple ways to get your family talking and connecting!
1. Host a cookie decorating party!
While decorating cookies doesn’t sound like a good way to get to know your family, it can be!
Having a party that involves hanging out with your family offers the chance for you to sit down with a family member you barely know or even the brother you lived with growing up but no longer know anything about each other.
2. Call your grandparents.
If anyone in the family has stories to tell, it’s going to be your grandparents.
Ask them about their childhood, what life was like growing up during their time, and even about what your parents were like as children.
Don’t forget to also tell them about yourself. Not only will they appreciate your call but you may also gain some insight on your family.
3. Play Secret Santa!
Put the names of your family in a hat and only get a present for that one person.
Also, to make things more challenging, decide with your family that instead of purchasing gifts, you will instead make gifts for each other.
This can be intimidating because when you buy a gift, there is the possibility that they’ll return it. By having to create something you have to make the effort to get to know that person, not only does this make you vulnerable but the other person as well.
Vulnerability can bring out untapped emotions, and those are the ones that show us who we really are.
4. Start a family newsletter.
Now this idea may not be for everyone but it can be a good way to stay connected after the holidays.
Connecting with family should be a year-round event and not just during the holidays. In order to continue this newfound family bond, start up a newsletter!
If it’s too much for one person to tackle, offer the whole family to contribute and start a family blog. Just create a space for everyone to stay in touch.
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Family is more than just blood—they are the people who will be there when no one else is. They help you to better understand who you are.
Even on the days when you don’t want to claim them as yours, they’re still going to be there, so take the time to get to know them and most importantly, allow them back into your life.
Image: iStock
Reflect & Refresh 