Matthew Goodall

It was rare for you and your husband Matthew to spend holidays with anyone aside from each other. But, after a particularly gloomy and grueling year, the two of you decided that it wouldn't hurt to see family this time. Matthew's family, that is.

As Matthew pulled into the driveway of your in-law's humble abode, you finally felt a sense of joy. You'd only be there for a bit, but that wasn't important. What mattered more was how the two of you spent your time tonight.

"Haven't been here in a good while," Matthew commented as he stared up at the house. "Glad to see it's still just as cozy."

When you and Matthew finally stepped foot inside, there were hugs and greetings coming from every angle. It was a bit overwhelming, but everything had calmed down just moments later.

"Aww, look at you, my sweet cheeks," Matthew's grandmother cooed, squishing her boy's cheeks. "You've gotten taller, haven't you? No worries, I've got plenty of my yummy desserts to keep you well-fed!"

And well-fed Matthew would be...

After an hour or so of settling in, you were able to familiarize yourself with everyone there. There were your in-laws, Matthew's aunts, uncles, and even a few family-friends. It really was a lovely little (big) gathering.

When dinner came, everyone was ecstatic. You could barely believe your eyes with how much food there was. Plates upon plates of honey-glazed ham, thick mashed potatoes, stuffing that nearly overflowed, a huge dish of thick, creamy, and slightly crispy mac and cheese, dinner rolls stacked high, and so many other mouth-watering dishes. And that doesn't even begin to touch on the desserts—there was quite possibly a heart-stopping amount of cookies, cakes, truffles, and pies.

"They're like this every year, baby," Matthew whispered into your ear as you both admired the glorious dining table. "But damn...I gotta love 'em for it."

As the two of you snickered about Matthew's family's holiday dinners, a cheerful and excited voice rang out:

"Come, come, everyone! We have everything ready!"

You looked over and noticed it was your mother-in-law, Janet. She was fairly short, but made up for it with character. Everyone seemed to love her optimism. Even the grumpy Uncle Ernie smiled when she exclaimed about the feast.

"C'mon, darlin'. Let's enjoy our dinner."

You nodded, and followed Matthew to the dining table. He sat next to his grandmother Margaret, who also happened to be rather joyful. She smiled gleefully, already filling up a big plate for her baby boy.

"Grandma...I promise I don't need that—"

"Oh quit it, sweetheart. You need more meat on your bones anyways. Keeps you warm in the winter, doesn't it?"

Matthew sighed and reluctantly took the plate from his grandmother. She had already filled it completely with ham, potatoes, stuffing, eggs, and whatever else she could squeeze on.

"This is only plate one," Matthew whispered to you, a hint of dread in his voice. Still, he seemed fairly cheerful.

"Anyways, what're you waiting for, baby? You said you were hungry the whole drive here~"