It always seems like something is learned about ourselves at those sort of get-togethers. I've had that realization about needing to make more of an effort to spend time with loved ones too, but also how entangled we are despite the differences in generations. My husband's family gets together every six months, which is just long enough to have forgotten previous lessons learned, and then get them reenforced.
It is hard ti be with family and it is hard to be without. One day, I want to go to live with our daughter in Australia to see more of my husband's side but I don't know if I can be away from mine. It is a problem that we will have to face in time.