Growing up, my favorite activity always involved being with my family. Whether it was those weekend visits or day trips, they always meant that much more to me whenever I seen my long list of relatives waving at the door. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to come from a big family. My big family has molded me into who I am today and I take pride in knowing our heritage. From my neck of the woods, big families are rather common. We may get stared at a time or two in public for our cousin-love antics, but realize at the end of the day we are just kind of normal. Coming from a big family has its perks:

1. You always have a dinner to attend

No matter if it’s your sister, your brother, your cousin or your aunt, someone always has some Pinterest cuisine they want you to try. I personally enjoy it because I love food and there is no better time to be a food critic. After all, big families are brutally honest. Stick to the spaghetti noodles, bro.

2. We are all doing different things

It comes naturally to me accepting others and their approach on life. I have so many cousins, aunts and uncles trying to live the American Dream, I ain’t got time to bicker and argue about your occupation or hobbies. It’s all love and respect when coming from a big family.

3. Holiday Festivities are nothing short of amazing

A typical Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas morning always ends up looking like a circus style celebration. We have got to make sure everyone has their gifts and a bite to eat. No one is left out and no one leaves hungry. Plus, there is no better way to end the day than a family game of cards. No matter if it's Rook, Uno, or Phase 10, we always somehow manage to piss off that one aunt who takes her games seriously.

4. Family outings are much more fun

When your family qualifies for group discounts without even trying, you have got it all right. Going out of town, or having family night at your favorite restaurant may seem like chaos to others, but to us it’s the norm. Often times we look like a bunch of wild animals indulging into some good food, laughing and schmoozing the outing away. Other times, we have mean resting face and aren’t ourselves when we are hungry. No need to worry, we still love each other.

5. Loyalty runs deep

You bet if you have a problem with one of my family members, you’re sure to have one with me, too. It’s how I was raised and I refuse to be any different. Being a part of a big family means they have my back and I have their back at all times. I can be the voice of reason at times, too, but my loyalty runs with my blood line.

6. Friends of family members become friends too

My favorite part of being from a big family is becoming friends with who my family members flock with. You learn the best of social skills from all different type of folks you're sure to gain some new life skills and advice. It’s like we all have that one friend who understands your crazy aunt. Embrace it and love them harder.

7. So much support

When times get tough, I am often reminded “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” My big family has engraved that into my mind and I am forever thankful. We often realize that minor problems are not crippling disasters and we can solve anything with a large number of people. Now, they aren’t just there for tough times, either. They’ll be sure to celebrate with bells on, no matter if it’s a sports game, scholarship banquet or being crowned the Prom King. Big Families are large in numbers and in voice and there is no better feeling than being cheered on to the finish line.

8. Hand-Me-Downs Galore

One of my favorite pieces of furniture in my apartment has been passed down for a few generations. My entire family has used my dresser I feel like and it puts a smile on my face. Some prefer "out with the old and in with the new" and I respect that. However, I personally like to refurbish and carry on the tradition. Heck, getting old clothes is even better. My brother and I lived in the Abercrombie and Fitch era in the 2000’s and I was lucky enough to be stylin' the entire decade to my group of friends.

At the end of the day, we should all be thankful for what we have been given in this life. I am beyond blessed to have received a big family. We may fight like cats and dogs and cry like babies sometimes, but there is nothing more important than family. My big family has kind of made me me. What are some of the things your family makes you thankful for?