Big or small, family has always had such a huge impact on my life in so many ways. I was blessed to be born into a big family that for most of my life have all lived within 45 minutes of each other. Over the years I have realized that there are so many positives to having so many family members. Yes, that means double the questions about school, significant others, and jobs. But at the end of the day the memories will always outshine the "School is fine," "No, I'm still single," and "Yes, I'm working" answers. So here are my favorite parts about having a big family.
Family parties are so much more fun.
You can't deny the fact that there are some family parties you would much rather just skip and stay in bed and binge watch your favorite Netflix show instead. But, with a big family, you are almost promised a fun, entertaining time. Food, good music, and catching up with everyone is the fun part that you are promised with any party, but when attendance list is longer, that's where everything gets interesting. Best advice I can give for these family parties is to stay away from the pool because some people just don't care if you have your phone on you, they pick you up and throw you in or "accidentally bump into you."
Holidays.
The holidays are definitely my favorite part when it comes to having a big family. Everyone finally gets together, even those who try their best to ditch the family parties. At Thanksgiving, we are all so thankful to have each other, but you also know this is the only time you'll get your aunt's twice baked potato before having so wait until next year. Christmas is my favorite, though. Every family has their traditions, and those traditions hold so many memories in them. So what you might have to sacrifice 30 minutes signing old Christmas carols around the table, but when those times are over, you'll be glad you did.
Getting advice, even when your not looking for it.
Having a big family means that there are so many people experienced in so many different areas of life. Sometimes that advice can be confusing when your 23-year-old cousin tells you going to class isn't as important as they say and "Thirsty Thursday's" are where it's at, but then your uncle tells you to take every academic opportunity you can to build your resume to get an internship or job. I've learned to take every piece of advice with just a tiny grain of salt. What I've learned the most through everything that I've been told is that balance is key. A little bit of this and a little bit of that leads to the best of both worlds.
Always having someone in your corner.
Whether you're starting out writing new articles every week and you need someone to read them or you got into a fight with an immediate family member and need someone to vent to or escape to for a night, someone is always there. Even when the world isn't in your favor when things get hard, there is always someone there to support you and keep you going.
It keeps on growing.
Life has its ups and downs. Although there are some family members that have been taken from our lives way too soon, they live on through the ones that are welcomed into our family with open arms. Our clan will continue to grow and get bigger. They will learn our traditions, and as much as I wish I could warn them about the family they were born into, the only goal I have is to make their life as crazy and enjoyable as my family has made mine.
