14 Signs You Come From a Big Family
Start writing a post
Relationships

14 Signs You Come From a Big Family

Being a part of a big family is something to be thankful for.

45
14 Signs You Come From a Big Family
Jennifer Lonergan

Family is made up of the people who love and support you through everything. Having a big extended family is one of the best blessings. When life gets crazy, you know someone is always there for you. Whether it be your aunt or uncle, grandmother or grandfather, or one of your 17 cousins, there's always someone who will have your back. I consider myself lucky to come from a big family, and here's 14 signs you might come from a big family like mine:

1. Family events seem to happen every weekend

Whether a football game is on or everyone just wants to hang by the pool, it seems like the whole family gets together at least once a week. From campfires on Saturday nights, to family dinners on Sunday evenings, there's always an excuse to have something going on.

2. Every little gathering feels like a celebration

My family tends to celebrate everything, or at least it feels that way when so many people get together at once. No matter what the occasion, there's always good food, lots of fun, and of course, desserts!

3. It's easy to loose track of how old everyone is

Days, weeks, months, and years all seem to pass by in an instant. As the time goes on, it becomes harder and harder to remember exactly how old each family member is turning this year, or what grade in school each younger cousin is in.

4. Babysitting experience

In my family, I am the oldest of all of the grandchildren. Even though there were a lot of downsides to being the oldest, extra babysitting cash was never a problem. Having too many younger cousins to even keep count of led to some great child care experiences.

5. Family vacations with everyone are rare but worth it

The chances of everyone being able to clear their hectic schedules at the same time are not likely. In the rare occurrence that this is possible, these vacations are the best kind. Being able to experience a new and beautiful place with so many loved ones creates amazing memories that we'll all never forget.

6. The inside jokes that no one else is ever going to understand

And that's perfectly okay because the memories your family makes together, and the laughs you share together are unique from one family to the next. Just like how no one besides my family will understand why I think "dessert menu" is funny.

7. Never ending amounts of hand-me-downs

Even though I personally never received too many hand-me-downs while I was growing up, I certainly gave plenty. After growing out of clothes I once loved but simply couldn't wear anymore, I'd pile up bags and hand them out to younger family members. I always felt like it was Christmas and I was delivering presents every time I brought around a new bag of hand-me-downs.

8. Celebrating each holiday more than once

If you're from a big family you know you can't just have one holiday party, or one Thanksgiving meal. Each holiday is celebrated before the holiday, on the actual day, and then sometimes after. I've always found this to be a great thing because that always meant more parties, more food and more presents.

9. "The kids table"

I have never been to a family event where we were all able to sit around one table to eat. Sometimes two tables is even cutting it close for my family. We've always had the adults and older generations at the bigger table and the kids would eat at a few smaller tables in the corner or in the next room.

10. Introducing someone to the family is intimidating

Big families tend to be very welcoming, they'll always make a spot for anyone new, but its still intimidating for new members to enter such a tight group.

11. Not every family member can make it to every family event

It is an EXTREMELY rare occurrence that big families can all get together at once. In fact, it is really hard for me to think of the last family event that every single family member was present for. Some family members live out of state, some have work, some have school, and some simply have busy lives. When big families finally all come together at once, it is something to be thankful for.

12. Photo ops!

There seems to be someone always going around taking pictures. At almost every event, my family takes SO many pictures. A picture of the siblings, the in-laws, the "out-laws", the boy cousins, the girl cousins, one with Grammie, etc. Whether they catch you off guard or make you smile for a selfie, they're always capturing great memories.

13. Saying good-bye is a process

Always plan ahead and start saying your good-byes to each family member at least 10 minutes before you actually want to leave. With so many people to hug and kiss good-bye, it can take longer than you may think just to get out the door!

14. Endless amounts of love and support

The best part about coming from a big extended family is all the love you receive. Remembering that all these people love you for who you are is really special. No matter what happens, your family will always be there and will love and support you through it all.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55532
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35802
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957820
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186044
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments