We enjoyed a big family gsthering. In China, this type of gathering is usually in the form of "eating", lunch or dinner. In my opinion, gathering for lunch is more common, as people have more time to chat while eat, but it really depends on the habits and traditions of the families, even regions.
One of the traditions on the table that I personality don't enjoy as much, is drinking. Drinking liquor is almost a certain thing to happen in occasions like wedding, celebrations, etc. Some people thinking that drinking would make the gathering more fun, and the atmosphere better. Chinese people like to 敬酒, "have shots with people to show respect". For example, if a group of people is celebrating newly weds, the newly weds would go around tables with liquor shots: drink with the oldest and highly respected family members; drink with guests from work, boss or coworkers; drink with friends. It's very easy to overdrink. Avoiding drinking is sometimes seen "impolite 0. Luckily, females are more tolerated :)
