Take mine for instance. My family is spread out around the United States and it has always been difficult to see each other or organize a reunion. In my quest to try and remedy this situation, I came up with a few ideas for breaking the ice and getting back in touch with relatives you've neglected. This is true. Communication is a two-way street, but once the street is covered with bad feelings, bitterness, resentment or just plain disinterest, you need to clean it up if you're going to salvage your relationships.
Greeting cards can be a great way to help break the ice with their warm sentiments.
Put a personal touch on your correspondence. If you are using email, send a cute greeting card or just touch base to let everyone know you are out there. Some people prefer email and some prefer handwritten letters. Find out which one your particular relative likes and send consistent correspondence. Don't expect to mend broken hearts and gloss over past hurts right away.