SWNYFAMILY by Tyler Schmall New York office - 646-873-7565 / usnews@swns.com
NEWS COPY - WITH VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC
One in four Americans have a close family member they haven’t seen in over ten years, according to new research.
A new study of 2,000 people delved into the tradition of family reunions and holiday get-togethers to identify how families stay in touch. The results? Americans want more family time.
Of those polled, 22 percent have never had a proper family reunion and 74 percent sadly felt they had a close family member they had lost touch with that they’d like to be reunited with.
The study, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Pit Boss Grills, aims to get Americans firing up the grill this fall and reuniting with family over great food.
Currently, only 68 percent of those polled have ever managed to conduct a proper family reunion -- but 28 percent say get everybody together each and every year.
In today’s hustle-and-bustle world, catching up with extended family can be difficult, but folks value family time and are looking forward to reuniting.
In fact, more than 58 percent of Americans reported being excited and looking forward to the opportunity to gather everyone together.
Reunions and family parties are also historically a hotbed for great food, and it’s nearly impossible to picture one without seeing a big plate of corn on the cob.
The clear majority of respondents (87 percent) feel that food is important in bringing the family together. In fact, 48 percent even reported expecting to eat way too much food.
“Gathering around the grill is the perfect way to bring the family together,” said Jeff Thiessen, President of Pit Boss Grills. “Whether you’re making burgers or preparing your Thanksgiving meal on the grill, you’re making memories together, preparing something that can be shared and that’s special."
Nearly every respondent agreed that good food was “essential” to a good family party (84 percent), with grilling (42 percent) and games (33 percent) also the most popular essential activities at any get-together.
What do people expect beyond good grub at family get-togethers? Chats reminiscing about old times (50 percent), and some good, old-fashioned awkward politics banter (28 percent).
Let’s not forget those awkward conversations either…. The average American endures six awkward jokes at a family get-together with uncles taking home the crown of “worst joke tellers.” Strange questions aren’t exempt either as Americans also report being asked two awkward questions about their love life.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a football tailgate or getting ready for the holidays, family bonding is a staple of the season and grilling is the best way to make that happen.
Don’t be part of the statistic that’s missing family this season, fire up the grill and host an event that will bring the family together.
“We are social beings, and not only does food bring us together, it keeps us together,” continued Thiessen. “Our entire lineup of Pit Boss grills allows for every family to create great food that keeps people coming back together. This holiday season we encourage everyone to fire up the grill and bring those you love the most together.”
TOP 10 THINGS TO EXPECT AT A FAMILY REUNION
Reminiscing about old times 50%
Eating too much 48%
Awkward politics chat 28%
Constant questions on my love life 20%
Someone will spill drinks 19%
Someone will fall asleep 17%
None of the above / nothing 15%
Questions on if and when I’ll have kids 14%
Slideshow of old pictures 12%
Dancing 12%
TOP 15 THINGS ESSENTIAL TO A GREAT FAMILY REUNION
Food 84%
Grilling 42%
Outdoor setting 38%
Games in general 33%
Alcohol 25%
More than twenty attendees 20%
More than ten attendees 19%
Family tree print out 14%
Disposable cameras 10%
A photo booth 9%
Entertainer 8%
Apparel (T-shirts, hoodies) 7%
Name tags 7%
Volleyball 6%
Cornhole 4%
ENDS
