Island Traveler says: “Being with family and friends always brings sunshine and joy. I miss spending Sundays with my sisters and parents, tons of nephews and nieces. ”
In some communities or cultures families meet regularly once a week or so. In Australia large Italian or Greek families are known for having these weekly family gatherings. They are mostly first or second generation ‘New Australians’ as far as I know. For following generations it may already be a bit different.
As far as I can see families overall do keep some contact if this is at all possible and usually enjoy these family gatherings. However modern life and living not in the same area  may interfere, so that families cannot see each other as often as they would like.
If families stay close together living in the same area, this is usually a cultural thing. Some people who grew up in a close knit community do very much enjoy to be part of it. If circumstances necessitate to leave this close knit community they may experience a sense of loss. Other people who grew up not belonging to a certain community, later on maybe do not strive so much to belong to one.
I think my mother never wanted to belong to an extended family. My father was the opposite. To him keeping close contact with all his siblings was always important. As far as I can remember my mother resented this. She did not want to be involved with the extended family. It shows that people have different priorities. These different priorities can lead to marital frictions. What do you think?
AuntyUta 
I grew up in a large extended family and have always revelled in family time and family gatherings. It is true that some people who have not grown up with this network resent it and can become insular. I think this is a shame. Yes, it can lead to marital unrest and this is where each person needs to stand firm to their own beliefs while still accommodating the needs of the other person.
Very thoughtful comment, Elizabeth. Thank you very much for this. 🙂
I was raised very close to my family. My parents live across the street from us. Before my grandmother’s passed away twelve years ago or so, they both lived within walking distance. A long walk, but I did occasionally walk. I think we are a bit unusual, however, in that I don’t know too many people who have made the commitment it takes to stay so close. My family is very important to me, and I think we’re lucky that we have each other so close, and get along well. 🙂
I think so too, Debra, that it is very lucky to have family and friends living close by.
Thanks very much for your comment. 🙂
I agree the difference could lead to marital friction, Aunty Uta.
My sister “Wendy” has found a boyfriend with family, & is often at family gatherings. I think to myself, if I met such a guy, could I do that – but you know, I’m not sure I could. YET strangely enough I wish upon some family, true close family.
I think I know what you mean, Noeleen, on the one hand you’d like to have close family contact but on the other hand you are doubtful that you would truly welcome it. When we came to Australia in 1959 it was just Peter, me and the babies. No extended family were around, none whatsoever. Some special German families became kind of substitute aunties, uncles, and cousins. We always were close to only two or three families. However at the time there were dozens and dozens of recently arrived German families in our neighbourhood. They all seemed to know each other intimately. However Peter and I did never want to become close to that many people.
I think 1959 is just about the same time my Grandmother arrived in Australia with my mother and her sister. It would have been an interesting time in Australia then.
Thanks for your thoughts Aunty Uta, I do think you understand.
Thanks, Noeleen. Have a lovely Sunday! 🙂