My husband and I are really lucky because both of our extended families live in the same local area.  Seeing family at holidays and on birthdays is pretty much a given.  However, on special occasions sometimes I feel like we are so caught up in the rituals related to the event that we don't get that quality time to really connect and bond.  In 2009, I hope to create more quality time with family by trying some of the following:

• Turn events centered around a meal into one that includes the interaction that goes along with the meal preparation.  Instead of a pot luck where everyone makes a dish beforehand, everyone would bring the ingredients and work together.  As a result, we not only create a meal, but we create memories, too.


• Engage in more casual travel with our extended family.  We don't have a big budget for luxury vacations but we do love to go camping.  This year I plan on inviting more family to come along for the fun of roughing it outdoors - a bonding experience for sure!


• Make a plan to not have a plan.  Sometimes family events can be over scheduled.  I'm going to have family over for a down-time day where we bring our favorite books, movies, and games.  And if we don't end up reading, watching, or playing them that's ok.  It will be all about the spontaneity.  We all might end up taking naps, who knows?!  But it will be a no-pressure time to spend together.

To encourage spending more time with my family, Duncan Hines sent us everything we need to make their Carrot Cake, including the carrots!  That's right, with Duncan Hines' Carrot Cake mix, the carrots and raisins are included...if you didn't know it came from a box you'd think I picked it up at our local bakery.  We spent some time with my family making the cake together today on New Year's Eve.  A great way to say good-bye to 2008 and hello to 2009!

And Duncan Hines wants to give one of my readers a gift basket filled with all kinds of goodies.  Here's what you have to do to win, each item gives you one entry and the contest ends on January 9.

• Tweet this contest


• Tell me your favorite activity to do with your family and what activity you plan to try this year to encourage for quality family time.


• Blog about how your family spends quality time and link back to this post.

Good luck!

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