I come from a huge, larger than life extended family (48 first cousins just on my mom's side). We're closer than any other family I've seen. When we were younger we had frequent sleepovers, birthday parties, phone calls, football games etc. Now that we're older, we're still as close as can all year round, and I couldn't imagine it any other way. Here are just a few reasons why having such a huge, tight-knit family is the biggest blessing, especially over the holidays.

1. No annoying questions about school, your relationship status, or your future, because you keep up with each other all year long

NOTHING is worse than being hounded with questions you don't have the answers to by relatives you rarely see. With a close family, that's completely avoided since you talk to each other all the time anyway.

2. You actually look forward to seeing each other (even tho you haven't been apart for that long)

No one is bored, on their cell phone, or wanting to leave early!

3. Everyone is included

Bring your friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, baby mama, random guy on the sidewalk, anyone and everyone is welcome all year round.

4. Certain traditions are expected

My Aunt Marge's Christmas Party, a cookie exchange, several games of "capture the flag", poker games and singing carols around the piano are just a few...

5. "Secret Santa" gets ruined pretty much every year

Every year we say "We're gonna do a true Secret Santa this time! no telling!" Then, a week later, everyone knows who everyone has, and all you can do is say "We'll do it for real next year."

6. Holiday Movie Nights

It's A Wonderful Life, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, Anything on Hallmark (because mom insists) and the entire "25 Days of Christmas" line up.

7. "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

Although it is amazing that you see each other constantly throughout the year, there truly is something special about being around the ones you love most on the holidays.