The holiday season has just begun and it reminds us that the most important thing this time of the year is family. I come from a really big family with about 20-something cousins on each side. Although we're all sorts of different ages, there are just some things that your cousins understand that not everyone else does. They're some of the greatest, most annoying, but loving people you'll ever meet. Here's some of the reasons why...

1. They're the first one to make a joke.

If cousins are good at one thing, it's keeping it light and funny. They can be the first ones to give you a hard time and bust you about things, but you know deep down if anyone else tried making fun of you they wouldn't stand for that.

2. Crazy adventures.

Whether it be a random trip to the beach, a stop at the fair, or even something totally crazy like going to Chuck-E-Cheese, sometimes the best memories are unplanned. Some people you don't even need to have a destination when you spend time together. I guess what I mean to say is that It doesn't matter where you end up, it's all about the journey and quality time you spend to get there. Who else would go on crazy and spontaneous adventures with you and not judge you for being crazy?

3. First person to let you cry on their shoulder.

In true family fashion, your cousins will be the first ones to let you cry on their shoulder if you're hurt or even if someone breaks your heart (that is, after they speak with whoever broke you). Sometimes you just need someone who isn't your parent to talk to and help you cry it out and move on.

4. Advice.

As cliche as it is, being older, they can sometimes be wiser. It's good to have a strong relationship with your cousins because they've probably been in similar situations to you so they understand where you're coming from. Not only that, but sometimes it's nice to have an outside opinion on a situation rather than the same ones.

5. Embarrassing each other.

What kind of family members would you be if you didn't embarrass one another? All of those ugly Snapchats, mystory moments, dares, and embarrassing stories always evoke some laughter and red faces. In the end, it's worth it because those are some of the best memories.

6. Advocate.

Your cousins especially will be one of the first people aside from your parents to advocate for you. They will push you to be the best you can be because they want to see you succeed. Unfortunately, that can mean tough love sometimes, but in the end of it all, they'll be there with the number one fan sign hanging above their head.

7. Relatable.

The best thing about having all these cousins is that you can relate to them easily. They, too, understand the family dynamic and jokes that only make sense to someone who's around your specific family. Not only that, but also the fact that they'be been in similar shoes to yours also helps.

8. Black Friday.

What other crazy individuals would venture to the insanity that is Black Friday by your side ready to tackle the world with you for the crazy deals.

9. You're close enough to be siblings.

Think about it, you're kinda like siblings. You joke with one another, but in the end, you still love and are there for each other. The only difference is you have different parents.

10. Ohana means family.

At the end of the day, no matter what crazy stunt or joke they decide to pull, they are your family. That means that they will be there for you no matter what. No matter what time or day! No one gets left behind!