If your family is leaving for an extended period of time, you may want to consider throwing a Family gap launch party. This is a multi-generational celebration with international food and drink, information about your new country, unexpected entertainment, a pinata or two, an extended invitation, and ending with a group hug.
I know it sounds a tad narcissistic and borderline boasty to throw your own bon voyage party. But trust me, you will be answering all the same questions repeatedly. These are your inner circle peeps, and family, the ones who are truly interested in where you will be living and what you will be doing. Advantages of getting everyone in one place, is that you can give information out once, and the concentration of saying good-bye to everyone once. The kids don’t have to say their good-byes repeatedly for days, even weeks. It is emotionally exhausting to schedule and to watch.
During the evening do an informal mini presentation, where you are living, where the kids will go to school. Have the kids participate if they want to. The kids, depending on their age and personalities, may want to do funny presentations. They can pull a professional power point together in about three minutes. If you don’t have the energy for creativity or it’s just not how your family rolls, then do what does. However you structure it, this will still be a huge time and emotion saver.
Give out your new address. Include your skype, help anyone set up accounts if they don’t have one. Do a short demonstration on how to use it, for those who are new to it.
If you’ve started a travel blog, pull it up on the big screen. If it’s private, give out the password and how to access it. For older folks, write out instructions on how to find it once you are away.
End with an invitation to come and visit. Hand out actual invitations if you have the time to pick some out or print some off. Include a goofy picture of your family, or a nice one if that’s more your style. People love these. You may be surprised who will creep out of their comfort zone to come and visit you.
This event is especially significant for the kids. It helps them mentally and emotionally prepare for the trip, and condenses the good-byes. This collective celebratory launching of your family into this adventure will be remembered by everyone.