Occassions bring closer.

Yes I think those occasions is a good avenue in bringing families closer. Normally relatives are living far from each other. Sometimes we don't actually know that those kids we know before are now the teens or adults we have seen in the street. However, we hardly ever noticed them. That is because we rarely see them thus no longer have an idea how they look now. It is best to have a get-together/family reunion and have the kids and adults introduced themselves to everyone.

Personally I don't see it as a family reunion. Why not? Because to most people over here birthdays or other celebrations are more a must, you have to show your face, you have to show up no matter if you are busy or willing or not. So it's not about liking to be together. Looking back (past years) I notice that many parties are changing. People all together tired out, nothing to say, being bored, just haning around. Such a waste of time and you have to serve them all. For them it's free food/drinks for you just stress and mess. I don't have these kind of celebrations anymore and I also don't want anyone to feel forced to show up. If I like to go out or on holiday during my birthday of my kid's I do so. I think you should celebrate your birthday the way you like. The way you feel great. For me that is without a lot of shopping, cooking, feeding and servering others also I don't need the gifts. They are all so not me.

In my home country most people celebrate Christmas and at time of the year people feel merry. Families are brought closer together due to all the celebrating. Some families have a re-union only at Christmas time. I know a man that only visits his mom on Christmas Day. When a child has a birthday it is a big celebration. As he or she gets much older this person tries to brush his or her birthday under the carpet. A special birthday like 21, 30, 40 or 50 will bring family and friends closer together.

Yes I do believe occasions and festivals bring the family closer. I don't see all my relatives throughout the year but i definitely meet them during festivals. I really enjoy those joyful visits coz they don't happen always. They are memories to be treasured.