Having a big family is definitely one of the greatest treasures I have in my life. I am one of four kids in my immediate family and am one of 14 great-grandchildren with one on the way in what most would consider my distant family. I am super close to my family and really can't imagine my life being any other way. I can't remember a time in my life where I haven't spent Sunday afternoons at my great-grandparent's home with all of my family. From third cousins to great-aunts, I have a relationship with every one of my family members and wouldn't change that for the world.
There are a million things I love about my big family, but I thought I would share my top five favorite parts about being a member of such a large family.
1. There are always interesting stories to hear or tell at family gatherings
When you have a big family, there are plenty of fun stories that are told when the whole crew gets together. Maybe your great-aunt has a story about her favorite vacation or maybe your little cousin did something funny at school. No matter what day or what time, there will be something said that circles around the family. I know I have always loved Sunday dinners at my great-grandparents house because there is always something interesting to go around.
2. Things are never boring
It doesn't matter if it's a day after school, a family vacation or a holiday: nothing ever gets boring when you have a big family. There will always be someone to talk to, someone to make you laugh or someone to pick on. Odds are that at least one person in your large family will want to do the same thing that you do, meaning that you will never have the struggle of being too bored when you get together with your family.
3. Holidays are way more fun
I know I absolutely love the holidays, mainly because my family gets together. My family has the best traditions and nothing is better than keeping them going each year. It can be hard to stay in touch with your family throughout the year. Times get busy and the holidays are the best time to catch up. There is nothing better than a house full of the people you love during the happiest time of the year.
4. You have a endless amount of support
Life gets tough sometimes and it is such a great feeling to know you have a large group of people supporting you through anything that comes your way. My family is my rock and I am so thankful to have them. My family is there through everything and I know I can always count on them to be there for me.
5. You celebrate and mourn together
From weddings to new babies and even funerals, family is always there. Your family is there through all the ups and downs you may face in life. Through the good times and the bad, it is always a little better when you have people around who feel the same as you do. Through mourning and celebrating, family is always there making times a little brighter.
I find my big family one of the many blessings in my life. I cherish the relationships I have with my relatives and am so grateful to have such an amazing support system behind me. It makes me smile to think that there will always be people to share the good times with and to lean on in the hardest times. Family is such a blessing. Mine might be big and a little crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
