The bottom line is that we have to be there for our loved ones' special events as much as possible since being there is what it means to create and support a strong family culture. While we planned well to be there, we could have even planned better. I think I was a bit shy about the event as I didn't know what to expect. It was a new endeavor for us, something we had not experienced before. I remember feeling this way at my sons' college graduations too.
As I think ahead to special events to come, I want to be cognizant of the following efforts to make special events successful:
- Research the event. I did find a video of this event online and watched it. That helped me to know what to expect in terms of dress, seating, attention, and more. Similarly when my sons graduated from college, I looked up the events on the college websites which offered very helpful information.
- Make hotel and restaurant reservations ahead. It helps to choose a good hotel and restaurant for the celebration, and when you plan ahead, you generally save money and stay within your budget.
- Use lead time. Thankfully our flights gave us a bit of lead time before the event which was very helpful since a too-late flight would have prevented us from arriving at the event due to the unexpected snow storm.
- Be prepared for the dress code. These days it's often difficult to know exactly what to wear at events that you're unfamiliar with. Having an outfit or two on hand for special events can help in this regard--outfits that are picture-friendly will make you feel good too.
- Plan an itinerary--when you are dealing with lots of people from various places and relationships, it's helpful to have an itinerary so everyone knows what's going on.
- Expect some snafus--no event goes exactly as planned so be prepared to be flexible and expect the unaccepted. It's good to have some back-up plans.
- If the event includes gifts, try to purchase those gifts ahead of time and even better, send the gifts ahead if that's appropriate.
For most of us, our close circles of family and friends bring us the most joy, comfort, and purpose in our lives. To truly invest in events and efforts that support and develop that culture in ways that matter makes our lives more meaningful and happy. Sometimes we might second guess the time and effort we devote to family and friends, but in the end, we all realize this is exactly what we should do. Onward.