There are many perks to having a big, italian family. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

7 Perks to being part of a big, fat italian family

When you think of Italians, you probably think of loud voice, hand gestures, and crazy amounts of food, but when I think of Italians I think of unwavering support, unbreakable bonds, and endless love.

315
7 Perks to being part of a big, fat italian family
Lindsay Reeth

In This Article:

Some people say that nothing compares to family, but in my case, nothing compares to a big, fat Italian family! I absolutely love everything that comes with being Italian, especially the incredible family members that I am surrounded with. I don't know if anyone else would consider their family their best friends, but I do. Honestly, the benefits that come with being a member of an Italian family are endless, but for the sake of time here are just a few of the standouts.

1. The 'more the merrier' saying turns into a reality

I don't think anybody does Christmas like my big, fat, Italian family does Christmas. Celebrating the holidays is always the highlight of our year. But belting Christmas carols, playing grab bag, and eating a delicious meal will never out-do the joy that comes with just simply being all together during this time of year.

2. Absolutely nothing compares to the food

If you're Italian, you know what I'm talking about and if you're not, I feel bad for you. In our culture, the kitchen is sacred and there is nobody who has perfected authentic Italian cuisine like my Mom and my Grandma. Meatballs, lasagna, baked ziti, cannolis, cheesecake - you name it! No matter what the event, you can always count on a delicious, homemade, seven course meal prepared with nothing but love from my family... and always with plenty of leftovers.

3. Receiving advice from all generations

If you know anything about Italians, you probably know that they tell it like it is. Well, this has proven to be one incredible perk of being part of a big Italian family because I am never short of advice, from anyone! Yes, my grandparents shower me with love, but they also provide me with endless wisdom from their life experiences that is truly incomparable to anything I could learn in the classroom.

4. You know that blood is thicker than water

One of the first things you learn as a member of an Italian family is that blood is thicker than water. What this basically means is that nothing is as important or should come between you and your family. This saying might seem a bit silly, but it really is what fuels the unbreakable relationships in my family. No matter what happens, there is nothing that can get between us and that is because we were taught early on that... blood is thicker than water!

5. Extended family members are just like extra sets of parents

I have never felt uncomfortable being with my extended family, in fact, I always felt right at home at any of my aunts and uncles houses because they were basically an extra set of parents. I was lucky enough to spend weekends in the snow in Vermont with my Uncle Rudy and Aunt Maggie, explore the Grand Canyon in Arizona with my uncle Mark and aunt Laura, and catch my first fish on the Jersey Shore with my Uncle Pat and Aunt Ellen. I had it all. Honestly, it was the whole saying goodbye part that always got to me.

6. You developed a taste for wine before you were 7

I have to thank my Grandma for this one! Visits with Grandma and Grandpa were always my favorite. It could have been the fact that I had endless toys waiting for me upon my arrival, but even more likely because I was always served a tiny glass of wine with my dinner. I was taught to sip my tiny wine slowly because it was an Italian delicacy and after all these years the lesson has definitely stuck with me because my appreciation for wine has continued to grow since my first taste at age 7.

7. Endless love and support

Yes the food is great, and the parties are fun, but absolutely nothing compares to the love and support that is shared in my big, fat Italian family and that's what I love most. It doesn't matter who it is, or how long its been since you've seen them, every single family member is always welcomed with open arms (and a big kiss on the cheek!) It's almost like having a countless number of friends, except ten times better!

There is never a time when you are without a helping hand or someone to talk to when things go wrong. When you're part of a big Italian family you always feel the comfort of knowing that you will never be alone and that is of immeasurable worth.

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

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2609
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2194
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments