80 saved#2,670 of 6,224

National Visit Your Relatives Day

Reconnect with the family this National Visit Your Relatives Day - schedule some time to catch up, have fun and create new memories!

Tuesday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEMay 18

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYFamily

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Visit Your Relatives Day on May 18 by connecting with your family and friends! This special day was created in the late 1960s to recognize and appreciate the importance of spending quality time with those closest to us. Whether they live around the corner or across the country, take this opportunity to show them how much you care.

TIMELINE

National Visit Your Relatives Day Timeline

Establishment of the holiday

National Visit Your Relatives Day was created to promote the importance of familial connections and spending time with loved ones.

Holiday Growth

Throughout the 1970s, National Visit Your Relatives Day gained national recognition and began being observed across the United States.

Technological Evolution

The advent of social media and video calling technology made it easier for people to reconnect with distant relatives on this day.

Increased Commercial Attention

Various companies began running campaigns and offering discounts to promote family reunions on this special day.

Holiday During Pandemic

National Visit Your Relatives Day was observed virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of staying connected with loved ones.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Visit Your Relatives Day

Organize a reunion

Gather your extended family and organize a reunion. Invite all your relatives from near and far, to spend the day together. You can plan activities, games, or just catch up with each other.

PLAN

Plan a road trip

Pack your bags and embark on a road trip to visit relatives you haven't seen in ages. Even if it's not that far away, it's the perfect opportunity to get the whole family together.

HOST

Host a movie night

Invite your relatives over for a movie night. Choose some classic family favorites, and make sure you have plenty of popcorn ready! This is a great way to relax and reconnect with each other.

ARRANGE

Arrange a virtual gathering

If some of your relatives are too far away to visit in person, arrange for a virtual gathering. Use video chat or set up group messages so everyone can join in on the fun.

SEND

Send care packages

You don't have to be with your relatives in person to celebrate National Visit Your Relatives Day. Send them care packages full of thoughtful gifts like cards, photos, homemade treats, or even just sweet handwritten letters.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Visit Your Relatives Day is Important

It teaches us about our heritage

By visiting your relatives, you're not only strengthening ties within your family but also learning more about where you come from. You get an opportunity to discover family traditions, histories, and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation and are sure to keep them alive for years to come.

It helps strengthen family ties

Visiting your relatives is a great way to show them that you care and strengthen those family bonds. It's important to take the time to catch up with them, exchange stories, and find out what they've been up to since you last saw each other.

It creates long lasting memories

When you visit your relatives, you're creating moments that can be remembered and cherished for years to come. Spending quality time with the people who raised you or shaped who you are today can leave an indelible impression on both of you that will stay with you forever.