Big families are a lot of fun, but when everyone gets together, things can get a little, well, chaotic. And when you're a part of a big family and the holidays roll around, that means lots of noise, shared meals, family traditions [1], and, yes, probably a few fights. Basically, anything can happen. It might be the span of generations or unique mix of personalities [2] that make holidays with a large family an experience all its own, but no matter what does happen, you wouldn't have it any other way. Keep reading for 15 things you'll only understand if you come from a big family.

It's Too Loud Too Soon

You better keep the door shut because the neighbours can probably hear your family from a couple blocks away. All those people fighting to be heard means lots and lots of noise. From the second the first guest arrives, the noise starts immediately and keeps getting louder with each knock on the door.

There Are Kids Everywhere

Big families seem to grow at rapid rates. There are always new babies and kids of all age ranges running around. When everyone gets together for the holidays, there are kids everywhere. Seriously, you need to be careful not to step on one whenever you leave your chair.

Some Part of the Meal Gets Screwed Up

It's hard enough to cook a full meal for a family of four, so imagine what it's like to cook from the same small kitchen for 20 people or more? Holidays spent feeding large families almost always end in some sort of food disaster.

There's at Least One Person Making Inappropriate Comments

It's probably the older generations, and no matter how much you love them, you cringe whenever they make an inappropriate joke or comment (which happens at least a few times every hour).

Torturous Family Photos Are Mandatory

When grandma has all the grandkids in the same place at once, you know she needs to get a family photo. Participation is mandatory and be prepared for 15 takes or more.

You Get Awkward Gifts

Whether you participate in the family gift exchange, or are just opening your annual present from your relative with *unique* taste, you're bound to get at least one awkward gift. And you better pretend to like it, otherwise you'll hear it from your parents on the way home!

You Have to Fight For Your Food

Speaking of eating, you better grab a dish and fill it at the first call of "Food's ready!" If not, you might miss out on the meal all together. There's always that one cousin who snatches up your share of food before you get to the table.

Someone Inevitably Starts a Fight

Without fail, there's some sort of tiff going on when you get the family together to attempt a nice holiday. Whether your one cousin took the teasing too far or your aunt brought up something from 10 years ago, you can almost always guarantee there will be a fight.

There's a Stranger Roaming Around That No One Knows

When you have a big family, there's usually an outsider who is meeting everyone for the first time. If you miss the introductions, you're bound to wonder who they belong to. The poor people usually get TMI on their first family experience.

There's Some Sort of Awkward Conversation

Either someone tells your new significant other an embarrassing story from your past or grandma brings up the fact that your brother is still single. Crickets.

Opening Gifts Takes Forever

With that many people in the mix, opening presents with a large family takes forever. And it all ends in one big mess.