We've all got to go to them, at least once or twice a year. I personally love them, even when they go wrong. And just look at that cute family photo. It's clearly not my family (I've got a sister, not a brother. But that little girl is close to my height). I found it on Google images.
Things I like: They have the potential to be a good time. I mean, some are just recipes for success: Christmas (a tree indoors, a fat man, and tons of presents!), Thanksgiving (massive amounts of food and shameless eating all day, at least 3 kinds of pie). But it's the family events that don't come with door prizes you need to be more worried about.
Family events allow you to reestablish and redivide into family cliques(tribes). The kids table will always be the kids table, and good ole' Uncle Paul will always be in the clique with the stuffed animals and the dog (come on, everyone's got a sleazy uncle whom no one wants at their table).
They are a place to reveal otherwise boring and unimportant information and have people pretend like they care. Or to reveal huge, very important information and have people tell you you're crazy (families judge).
Things I would change: There is always, always an awkward silence (usually more than one). That's when it's good to have a baby or a pet around, because you can just pretend like you were enamored in their cuteness. Or make a comment about it to break the silence. "She just loves her little toes, huh?" or "to think, someday she'll probably get arrested".
If it's a family event of a family not your own, it's a while different ballgame; your true emotions must never be shown. If you're mad, you're happy! If you want to argue back, you can't, just act happy! Hungover? Act Happy! Scared of aforementioned creepy uncle? Happy, Happy, Happy! Whereas if it's your own family, everyone has a free pass (and does) act an exaggerated version of whatever their feeling (and it's usually never happy). You're mad, start yelling/throwing! You're hungover, start throwing up and claiming date rape. Scared of the creepy Uncle? Ask grandma about the family secrets (and then don't keep them). Drama, Drama, Drama.
What it makes me think/feel: That there will always be expectations at family events (and no holds barred grandmas to tell us when we haven't met them). There will probably be cheesy, forced photos, and the creepy uncle will probably try and go for the awkward kiss on the cheek (and the lips if you're a friend of the family). But most importantly there will be all kinds of crazy, unconditional love (or else you should probably call DCF).
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