BUILDING FAMILY MEMORIES
– By Suzanne Soto-Davies
I n the Fall issue of Silver and Gold, we entertained the idea
of a multi-generational family getaway with your children
and grandchildren. With this year marking my mother’s
75th birthday, we wanted just that: A family celebration
that would bring a smile to our faces and build memories
for years to come.
While some families may take the route of planning big
birthday bashes with lavish catering, decorations, and many
gifts, we decided instead to take mom away. The idea of a girl’s
trip was perfect, including daughters and grand-daughters. It
was something she had always wanted but over time proved
difficult to arrange, as everyone is so busy with work, school,
and extra curricular activities! The getaway to Blue Mountain
(near Collingwood) was ideal.
Since there were nine of us, and rather than renting a few
hotel rooms, we decided on a chalet rental, which worked out
well for our budget. At the chalet, we could all spend time
gathering to catch up, take photographs, cooking and sitting
by the fire, doing puzzles and listening to music – just what
mom had dreamed of. In the afternoon, we wandered off on
a short hike to Blue Mountain Village. There, we took some
more memorable photographs, shopped the unique stores and
boutiques, and enjoyed a great meal at a cozy restaurant. It
was beautiful to wake up to family: Make a potluck breakfast,
enjoy a dip in the hot-tub, cheer with some Mimosas, and
catching up in general.
It’s also a treat not to have to clean up after the big get
together, and to be able to pack it in for the night when you
want since at a chalet everyone will typically have their own
room. I don’t think we would’ve been able to accommodate
nine people comfortably to chat, had we stayed in a hotel!
As the years go by and both my children and my mother
get older, I realize that nothing is as important as spending
time together. No gift can ever replace that, it IS the gift. We
live such busy lives that planning ahead and making time for
each other is significant – for the older folks as it is for the
younger ones.
No longer just seeing each other during weddings and
funerals, the family getaway doesn’t have to be far away,
lavish, or expensive. Picking a location that is accessible for
everyone, no matter where they live, is key, and finding the
right place to both spend some quiet time yet find things to
do regardless of the time of year, fits with everyone.
What special events do you have coming up in 2019? Pick
a weekend well ahead of time so everyone can be sure to take
time off and attend, and build some family memories. •
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