Some Quick Gift Advice For Holiday Shopping

The holiday season is officially here!

Saying that should no longer earn any whining or complaints about Christmas displays going up too early. It’s December now. All our Thanksgiving leftovers have since gone bad. It’s perfectly acceptable to fully embrace the spirit and aesthetics of the season. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, at least acknowledge that it’s now entirely appropriate to engage in any number of holiday activities.

I know that’s easy for a guy like me to say. I’ve said before that I take Christmas more seriously than most. I’m the kind of guy who has his Christmas tree up and decorated by Halloween. I’m also the kind of guy who tries to finish all his Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving. As I write this, I am done. I’ve completed my shopping and most of those gifts are already wrapped.

I understand this makes me an outlier or an overachiever. I also understand that while many people do have their decorations up, their Christmas shopping may not be over or even started.

Seriously, if you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, you’re bound to make it more stressful in the long run. It’s getting to a point where you might be pushing it with respect to finding that special gift for that special someone.

But what exactly goes into a great gift? That’s actually something I’ve learned and refined over the years. I’ve talked about it before, but I feel I should expand on it a bit. I notice that, as I’ve gotten older, it gets a bit harder to buy meaningful Christmas gifts. At a certain age, your family and loved ones really don’t need much from you anymore, aside from your presence and your love during this special time of year.

I know it sounds cheesy, but make no mistake. That really does matter. Just being there and being present on Christmas is often the best gift you can give for some people. That’s all well and good. But like I said, I try to overachieve on the holidays. That means I’ll still try to get that special someone a gift. Sometimes, it’s easy because my friends and family will actually provide a list for me. I always appreciate that and I encourage others to make it easier for their loved ones in that regard.

Granted, sometimes I do have to bug my family and friends for that list, but it’s often worthwhile. You just have to be patient with them, especially the ones with kids. Sometimes, you will end up buying something that the kids love, but the parents hate. As someone with multiple nieces and nephews, I can confirm this conflict. I can also confirm it often makes for great holiday memories.

That being said, I do have some new advice to share for those still struggling to complete their Christmas shopping. Since we’re getting into the heart of the holiday season, I think the time is right to share this. So, here are a few extra tips that I hope will help.

Tip #1: Bigger might not always be better, but sentimental is always better. Don’t just get a gift you think someone wants. Make sure there’s some sentimental aspect behind it, be it a personal photo or something that conjures a memory. An inexpensive baseball glove can sometimes become a kid’s most prized possession if he grows to love baseball.

Tip #2: Customize a gift if possible. You can buy all types of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Most do little to stand out. But one that happens to be engraved with a quote from a loved one or an image of a friend can make it all the more valuable. Even a cheap keychain can be made special if it has a picture of someone’s first child.

Tip #3: Consider the fun factor. For kids and adults alike, don’t just think about how expensive or popular a gift is. Consider how much fun you’ll have with it. A toy is only as great as the fun it conjures. The same goes for adults. A book is all well and good, but a loved one might have a lot more fun with a deck of Cards Against Humanity.

Tip #4: A gift can also be an experience. Some people don’t care much for material gifts. They’re more inclined to embrace experiences. That’s why concert tickets or tickets to a sporting event can be very memorable. One year, a relative of mine got tickets to opening day for the baseball season. He still ranks it as one of his favorite gifts of all time. You can even get creative with the presentation. Put the gift in a big box and weigh it down with rocks. That’ll be both surprising and memorable.

Tip #5: Supplement a big gift with something smaller. Sometimes, a big gift is definitely the way to go. But it works even better if you can supplement it somehow. If you buy a pitching net for a kid, add in some new baseballs or a new glove. Let the gifts have both a personal touch and an overall experience. It shows you’re willing to put in the extra effort.

Tip #6: Use every opportunity for a surprise. You can get someone a mundane gift that they asked for. That’s all well and good. But if you see an opportunity to surprise them in a good way, take it. I know someone who once got a book he asked for, but there were concert tickets in the cover. Their reaction was just priceless.

These are just a few tips from a veteran holiday enthusiast. I hope they help you in your holiday shopping this year and in future years. Take it from me. A great gift can have an impact that goes far beyond the holidays.

Happy Holidays and Happy Holiday Shopping!

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Jack’s Comic Gems: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #20

The following is a video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This is video another entry in my ongoing “Jack’s Comic Gems” collection. This time, I highlight a single issue from the first volume of Mighty Morphin Power Ranger by Boom Studios. It was, in my opinion, one of the most pivotal issues to date. It gave us the origin story of Grace Sterling, as well as a new perspective on what it means to be a Ranger.

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Why I’m Considering Quitting Twitter (And What Keeps Me From Quitting)

I’ve been avoiding this subject for a while now. I had a feeling I would eventually have to address it at some point. I would’ve like to wait until the new year. But lately, I’ve been feeling a greater sense of urgency.

I doubt that’ll surprise anyone because it has to do with Twitter.

If you’ve been following the news surrounding Twitter lately, you probably understand why that is. To call it a chaotic trainwreck would be a gross and generous understatement. It’s gotten to a point now that waiting for things to settle is akin to waiting for pink elephants to fly down from Mars.

I don’t want to get too heavily into all the drama surrounding Twitter, as an organization, since Elon Musk purchased the company for $44 billion. If you want an in-depth overview of that affair, there are plenty of sources more qualified than me to cover it. Thus far, I’ve found this video by the Wall Street Journal to be the most comprehensive.

Beyond the business side of things, there’s the state of the site and service itself. I’ve been on Twitter since 2010. I’ve been using it extensively since then, both as a communication tool and a source of information. Whenever I’m waiting for a new movie trailer or major news to drop, Twitter is my go-to source. Usually, it starts trending before a major news outlet reports on it.

Granted, that sometimes means unfounded rumors start to trend as well. It also means I end up following false information for a time, especially when there are conflicting reports about an event or subject. But for years now, that has been my primary means of consuming news and information. It’s also my primary means of interacting with friends I’ve made, usually regarding comics, movies, video games, etc.

I don’t deny there have been issues over the years. At times, Twitter has been a problem in the sense that I either use it too much or I waste too much time trying to make sense of certain trends or threads. But for the most part, I’ve felt that the positives outweighed the negatives.

That changed recently.

Over the past couple of months, since Musk began his overhaul of Twitter, I’ve sensed a shift in overall experience of the site. It feels like Twitter has become less and less ordered, with respect to managing content and toxic trends. The safeguards that existed before Musk were far from perfect, but they were at least tolerable. Now, I’m not so sure.

I’m seeing more and more instances of people just being unrestrained assholes on Twitter. Behavior that once got people banned or suspended are now becoming distressingly common. I’m not just talking about instances of excessive profanity, racial slurs, or bigotry. The messages and content are so egregiously hateful and antagonistic that it’s painting a nasty picture of people, in general.

Now, I’m well-aware that there are some pretty toxic places on the internet. I’m also aware that people will say horrible, disgusting things when they can hide behind the cloak of anonymity. I’ve been to places like 4chan, message boards, and comments sections in fringe news outlets. The kinds of things people say in those spaces is so over-the-top awful that you do have to take a step back, take some deep breaths, and calm yourself before you say or do something foolish in response.

But those spaces tend to be small and concentrated in nature. You don’t usually see those things in places that also stream mainstream news content. Well, in this emerging state within Twitter, I’m seeing this sort of stuff more and more. It hasn’t quite gotten to the same level as your typical 4chan post, but it’s trending in that direction. And personally, I have no desire to see how close it gets to that level.

This has left me at a bit of a crossroads.

I am seriously considering quitting Twitter altogether.

I don’t think I’ll delete my account completely, since it does contain things I hope others would find useful. But at the very least, I’m weighing the benefits of simply stepping away from its platform because its current state is just too difficult to navigate. I worry that if I keep using it as often as I have over the years, my overall faith in humanity will suffer as a result. There’s only so many hateful, bigoted, whiny trolling I can handle before I start to think less of the human species, as a whole.

My faith in humanity has already taken a severe hit in recent years. Between the COVID-19 Pandemic and the current state of politics, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to believe in the inherent goodness of people as a whole. I know that’s dangerous. I also know that Twitter offers a very small sample of human discourse. It’s not even top 5 in terms of social media sites. In general, it presents a very flawed perspective in terms of humanity as a whole. It also, by design, tends to amplify the most extreme, fringe voices.

That’s a good enough reason for many to leave Twitter altogether. I already know some who have, including a few public figures.

However, there are a few things that keep me hesitant to leave Twitter entirely. As bad as it has become, it is still undeniably useful in many regards. In terms of keeping up with news, especially with comics and movies, it still beats many other social media platforms in terms of getting quick, raw information on specific topics of interest. So long as those topics aren’t too politically charged, you can usually avoid the more toxic side of the site.

On top of that, some good friends of mine that I’ve met through comic book message boards, Reddit, and my YouTube channel are on Twitter and that’s the only way I can interact with them. I’ve even reached out to a few to see if they’re reachable on other platforms. Some are, but others aren’t and I genuinely don’t want to lose those connections.

I also feel like I can mitigate part of the toxic experience by simply avoiding the trending topics, especially when there’s politics involved. Doing so does take more will-power than it used to. Sometimes, you curiosity does get the better of you. It also requires you to use the mute and block functions more often. But that can be tedious at times. It can also mean that you craft your own little echo-chambers, which is not at all healthy.

At the moment, I would really prefer not to quit Twitter, if only because it’s still so useful as a tool for news and information of a certain variety.

At the same time, I don’t like the current trend it’s on. I also don’t like how it’s being managed and developed. If it continues its current path, it’ll become more and more populated by the kinds of extreme, radical voices that have made so many other places on the internet and social media untenable. And I have no desire to be part of any online space of that nature. I don’t need that kind of toxicity coloring my view of people, the world, or various issues.

I just hope it doesn’t come to that.

For now, I’m still going to remain on Twitter. However, I’m also actively looking for alternatives that are just as useful and can easily be adopted by my friends. If I do find one that’s just as good as what Twitter used to be, then that makes the decision to leave a lot easier. Until then, the best I can do is be more cautious and mindful of how I navigate Twitter.

If anyone has any insights or advice on this matter, please share it in the comments. I’m certainly open to input and insight, especially for those wrestling with a similar decision. If and when I do decide to leave Twitter, I’ll be sure to announce it on this site and provide information to anyone else who still wishes to follow me.

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Jack’s Fan Theories | Home Alone | The Mob Lawyer Theory

The following is a video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This video is an entry in my Jack’s Fan Theories playlist. In it, I present a theory I came up with for the holiday classic, “Home Alone,” which posits that Kevin’s father is actually a mob lawyer. When evaluating the details of the movie and the implications of the theory, it makes sense of many critical plot points that are never addressed. Enjoy!

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Thought Experiment: What Major Decisions Would You Trust An Artificial Intelligence To Make For You?

The following is a video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This video is a thought experiment about artificial intelligence, the choices we make, and how much (or how little) we’ll delegate such choices in the future. Enjoy!

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Filed under Artificial Intelligence, Jack's World, psychology, technology, YouTube

Some Post-Thanksgiving Workout Tips (And Tweaks To My Current Routine)

I had an awesome Thanksgiving last week. I really did enjoy spending time with my family, enjoying a hardy feast, and watching plenty of football, both NFL and NCAA.

Unfortunately, those good times do come at a price. I consumed more calories in the span of three days than I usually do over the course of a week. To be fair, that’s common for a lot of people, even those who are very health conscious. For the sake of the Thanksgiving spirit and family, we set aside our diets and just let ourselves gorge for a few days.

Personally, I think I overdid it. Anyone who was with me on Thanksgiving can attest that I ate more than my share of the turkey and deserts. It was a festive environment and we all savored every bite. For that, I have no regrets.

But that does mean the last few days have been particularly arduous when it comes to my exercise routine. I’ve noted before that I go to the gym quite frequently. I actually go more frequently now than I did before the COVID-19 pandemic. I rarely skip workouts, even around holidays. But even when I don’t skip a trip to the gym, I definitely feel it when I eat a lot of calories.

I suspect I’m not the only one dealing with that. I also suspect more than a few people are trying to get back into a healthy routine after all the family, feasts, and desserts. If you are, then I hope you find this helpful because I’d like to share a few tips on post-Thanksgiving workouts. I’m sharing it because there is a right and wrong way to do it. I know because the day after Thanksgiving, I’m pretty sure I did it the wrong way and was very sore for a while because of it.

You don’t need to go through that pain, nor should you.

Also, I always feel inclined to note that I am not a personal trainer. I would never claim to be an expert at exercise, health, or getting into shape. I’m just sharing my experience and strategies in hopes that others will find it useful. I’m not even charging anyone for it. This is completely free advice.

The first tip I’d like to give is that, if you had a regular routine before Thanksgiving, do not try and go straight back to it the day after you’ve consumed so many calories. Your body just went through an abnormal experience that is holiday festivities. You can’t expect it to quickly re-adjust as though it never happened.

You will hurt yourself. I know because I badly strained my quad, chest, and abdominal muscles. It hurt more than I care to admit.

The second tip I’d like to offer is that, when it comes to consume lots of calories, cardio should be a greater priority over weight training. Even if you’re primarily focused on building muscle mass, it’s necessary to do extra cardio after consuming excess calories. That means a bit more time running outdoors, running on a treadmill, or using an exercise bike or elliptical. I’ve done a little of everything in that regard. And even just doing an extra 10 to 15 minutes of cardio makes a huge difference.

It’s primarily a matter of physics. You eat a lot of calories. You need to burn them off. Cardio, in addition to helping with blood flow and heart health, burns more calories than lifting weights. Eating all that turkey just means having to burn extra.

The third and final tip I’d like to offer has to do with how you go about weight training. Depending on your goals, you either try to do a few reps with heavy weights, usually 5 rep sets of 5, or lots of reps with lighter weights. For the most part, I’ve favored doing fewer reps with heavy weights. That’s fairly common for men looking to add muscle mass, whereas the higher reps with lower weights are common for women looking to slim down.

I had to change that recently to ensure I don’t strain my body more than I should. So, in the interest of burning off my holiday calories, I’ve started doing more reps per set with fewer sets. This way, I can emphasize good form and work to strain the muscles more concisely rather than using brute strength with lower reps. I’ve already found this to be quite effective in that I get a good burn going, but with less painful strain.

To illustrate, this is the current workout I’m using for most of my gym trips:

Start off with 35 minutes of cardio, either on an elliptical or running outside.

Do 100 weighted ab crunches (basically a crunch with a free weight on your chest).

Then, I do a the following weight training routine.

Do 3 sets of 20 reps of a butterfly curls (machine or free weights).

Do 3 sets of 20 reps of reverse butterfly curls.

Do 3 sets of 20 reps of bicep curls.

Do 3 sets of 20 reps for tricep extensions.

Do 3 sets of 20 reps of shoulder press.

Do 3 sets of 20 reps of lat pull downs.

Do 3 sets of 20 reps for leg press.

Do 3 sets of 20 reps for leg extensions.

Do 2 sets of 20 reps of pull-ups.

In general, this routine takes me about an hour and 15 minutes. I’ve been doing it for a few days now and I’m already feeling much better in terms of energy, mood, and fitness. I still do my other routine of doing 5 sets of 5 reps with more weight. But I’m thinking of maybe alternating the days when I do that in order to get the most benefits out of my workout.

One general rule of exercise is that if your body gets too used to one particular thing, it ceases to be as effective. That’s why it’s important to mix things up. It keeps the workout interesting and it helps get you better results in the long run.

Chances are I’ll probably tweak this workout as time goes on. If I uncover other useful tips, I’ll be sure to share them and they’ll continue to be free.

We all need to take time to enjoy the holidays with our families and get off our diet for a while. And if the price for doing so is more time at the gym to stay strong, healthy, and sexy, I say that’s a price worth paying.

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My Holiday Gift Wrapping Traditions And “Hawkeye” On Disney+

When it comes to the holiday, I like to go the extra mile and then some.

Talk to any of my friends, family, or relatives. They’ll attest that I take Christmas a lot more seriously than most. I’m the kind of guy who has his Christmas decorations up by Halloween and finishes his Christmas shopping two weeks before Thanksgiving. They’ll also attest that when it comes to gift giving, I don’t hold back. I’ll gladly spend extra and work a little harder in order to present the perfect gift to my loved ones.

That doesn’t always mean I buy something expensive or fancy. It just means I try to get something that’s memorable, sentimental, and unique. Basically, if you’re on my Christmas list, then you can expect to get an awesome gift at some point. That’s just how I approach the holidays and I make no apologies for that.

In addition to my love of giving awesome gifts, I have a few other smaller Christmas traditions that I genuinely enjoy. They may not sound like much to most people, but they’re a big part of why I love this time of year so much. And one of those traditions is just beginning, but it’s also a tradition that’s worth supplementing.

Like I said, I try to get my Christmas shopping done at least a couple weeks before Thanksgiving. As a result, that usually means I have a lot of things to wrap around this time of year. It’s not unusual for me to spend an entire Saturday or Sunday afternoon wrapping presents. To some, it’s a chore. But to me, it’s one of my favorite holiday activities.

I don’t know why. I just get a special kind of satisfaction whenever I wrap Christmas presents for my friends and family.

One part that adds to that enjoyment has to do with how I go about it. Usually when I have a lot of gifts to wrap, I put on one of my favorite Christmas movies or shows. Sometimes, it’s one of the classics like the “Charlie Brown Christmas Special.” Other times, it’s something newer like “The Christmas Chronicles” or “Klaus.” They’re all great Christmas shows and movies. However, last year I discovered another that I’ve added to my holiday playlist. And it’s one I didn’t expect would be so festive.

It’s the Disney+ series, “Hawkeye.”

Now, that may not seem too surprising. I’ve done plenty to make my love of all things Marvel known on this site and my YouTube channel. And while I was certainly aware of “Hawkeye” when it began airing late last year, I was genuinely surprised by how great it worked as a holiday special.

Even though its primary setting unfolded around the holidays and it had a lot of Christmas imagery, I still didn’t expect it to feel like a true Christmas show. I expected it to be another solid entry in the ever-expanding world that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And in that sense, it certainly was. If its primary goal was to introduce the audience to Kate Bishop, then the show definitely succeeded. Being a solid Christmas show would’ve just been a nice bonus.

But it turned out to be more than just a bonus.

This limited series had genuine heart and spirit to go along with the standard Marvel Studios formula for action, character, and continuity. It wasn’t just about how Kate Bishop became Hawkeye’s young protege. It is very much a show about family and how hard you’re willing to fight to protect them, especially around the holidays. It’s also a show that emphasizes the power of found family and finding a place with people who you might not be related to, but still come to love and cherish.

Yes, there’s still plenty of action and it does build on how much the MCU changed after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.”

Yes, it still sets the stage for future stories, especially with Kate Bishop.

But, even without the heroics and action, it’s still a damn good Christmas story. And unlike last year, you don’t have to wait a week for new episodes. The show is up on Disney+ and ready to binge. And I’ve every intention of binging it again in its entirety in the coming days.

Even if you’re not a Marvel fans, the show still stands well enough on its own to enjoy as a typical Christmas special. It has all the right ingredients for a quality Christmas themed show. And it has moments that will get most anyone into the holiday spirit. So, if you’re looking for a different kind of Christmas special to watch this year or have Marvel fans in your family, check out “Hawkeye.”

It has already become a solid entry in my list of beloved holiday specials. Give it a chance and I hope it becomes part of yours.

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Filed under Jack Fisher's Insights, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, superhero comics, superhero movies

Happy Black Friday (And Post-Thanksgiving Recovery)!

I hope everyone had a safe, happy, and filling Thanksgiving. I certainly did. For that, I must credit my wonderful family. My parents, especially, organized an incredible feast, complete with a delicious turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I still managed to contribute someone. I’m usually responsible for making desserts, which usually involve cookies. They were still good, but I feel like my parents did most of the heavy lifting.

Now, after spending a good chunk of yesterday and this morning in a food coma, I’m ready for my second favorite holiday tradition for this time of year. And that’s Black Friday shopping.

I know. Black Friday is very much an overly commercialized holiday that’s primarily a marketing gimmick.

Yes, I know it’s meant to cater to those who either make shopping a much bigger deal than it needs to be.

No, I do not care.

I know it’s weird for a straight man, but I genuinely enjoy shopping. I especially enjoy Christmas shopping. I do suspect some of that comes from my mother. She has told me more than once that when I was a baby, one of her favorite things to do was take me shopping at the closest mall. I think that helped prime me for the joys of Black Friday shopping and for that, I am grateful.

But however you feel about shopping or Black Friday, this is a great day to take some of those calories you consumed and spend them in a productive manner. Christmas is just a month away and in my experience, there are no downsides to getting your shopping done as early as possible.

I’ve had most of my shopping done since the first week of November. However, I still go out on Black Friday because every now and then, I’ll come across something I feel will be the perfect gift for a friend or family member. Even if I’ve already bought that person a gift, I’ll still get it to make Christmas morning that much more special.

I hope to continue that tradition today. And after the events of the past two years, I hope the Black Friday festivities are back at full strength. Even with the rise of online shopping, there’s just something special about going to a mall or retail outlet to take in the ambience. I’ve always enjoyed it. I hope to continue enjoying it. And I encourage others to embrace that spirit.

Happy Black Friday!

Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone reading this uses today to get those you care about something extra special.

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Thanksgiving 2022: A Thankful Message With Hopeful Sentiments

The following is a video from my YouTube channel, Jack’s World. This video is just a brief message of thanks to friends, family, and those who have supported me and this this channel in the spirit of the holidays. Enjoy!

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Sexy Short Story: Thanksgiving Quickie

The following is a sexy short story about some sexy loving in the spirit of Thanksgiving. I hope this gives everyone out there something else to be thankful for. Enjoy!


The holidays were a stressful time of year. But for Liam Brooks, they were often quite frustrating. And all those frustrations tended to manifest on Thanksgiving.

“Liam! Go check on pies cooling on the porch!” his mother shouted from the kitchen.

“I already did, ma. They’re fine,” Liam groaned as he finished setting the table in the dining room.

“Check them again!” she shouted. “Your father’s busy with the potatoes and your sister is preoccupied with the kids.”

“It’s only been 20 minutes,” he protested. “How much could’ve changed?”

“Don’t get snippy with your ma!” his father shouted back. “We’ve been behind schedule since you got in late last night with your girlfriend. We’ve been catching up ever since. You really want to be the one to ruin Thanksgiving?”

Liam groaned again and held back a string of angry curses. In most other circumstances, he would’ve fired back about how their micromanaging kept others from enjoying the holidays. He also would’ve mentioned how all the aunts, uncles, and cousins got a pass and watched football while he helped with all preparations. But for the sake of keeping the peace for the holidays, he held his tongue.

“I’ll check again,” Liam said with a defeated sigh.

“And check the firewood while you’re at it! It’s supposed to get cold tonight,” his father added, never one to leave out another task.

Liam pulled himself away from the dining room table, shaking his head and hiding his frustrations as best he could. He should’ve been used to this by now. Ever since he was a kid, his parents had been obsessive when it came to tasks, chores, and schedules. They were so particular that they had actual time slots for him and his four older siblings to brush their teeth at night. He thought he’d be used to it by now, but it still annoyed him to no end.

He suspected his siblings felt the same way, but they chose to keep that sentiment to themselves. There was just no winning an argument with their parents, especially around the holidays.

“Never leave a task unfinished or late,” Liam muttered. “How else are you gonna take the fun out of Thanksgiving?”

He slipped away to the back porch, passing by a crowd of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The young ones got a pass, having permission to run around and stick to no schedule whatsoever. Liam envied them. The older ones – including his aunts, uncles, and grandparents – got to just sit in the living room, drinking eggnog and watching football. He peered in briefly to see them yelling at the TV, actually having a good time while he and his siblings did all of the work.

They got to enjoy the holidays.

For him, he just got to work overtime.

His holiday spirit was on the brink. Then, he crossed paths with his girlfriend of the past two years, Alessia Burke. Still trying to make a good impression on his parents – especially after not being able to make it last year – she’d been helping too. Unfortunately, that just meant his parents put her to work so that his older sisters, Jane and Irene, could focus on their kids.

“How more are they going to have us do?” she asked him, looking restless as she carried a box of candles and tablecloths out from the garage.

“As much as they can get away with,” Liam answered.

“And it’s always like this?” Alessia groaned.

“I did warn you.”

“And I didn’t listen.”

They exchanged exasperated glances before carrying out the rest of their duties. Alessia set the materials up in the dining room while Liam checked the porch. As expected, the pies were fine and their stock of firewood was full. There was literally no reason for his parents to keep giving him tasks like this.

Everything was on time.

Thanksgiving was on schedule.

But because he and Alessia committed the high crime of being late last night, they held them to an unreasonable standard. It wasn’t fair. But that was how his parents operated. Being military brats who loved sticking to strict schedules, there was just no other way to live.

“What have I done? Inviting the woman I love to my family’s misery?” Liam wondered aloud.

He avoided answering that question himself. He still wasn’t sure his parents even liked Alessia. She wasn’t the first girlfriend of his he’d brought home. But she was, by far, the most serious. She was not just another fling, as his father loved to assume. He actually cared for her. Their relationship was actually serious.

They’d moved in together six months ago. They planned on getting another apartment after graduating college. He already had a job lined up and so did she. He and Alessia did everything right, being proactive in building their lives together. But it still wasn’t enough for his parents.

Liam briefly turned to head back inside. Instead, he stopped at the door, knowing he’d just get stuck with another menial task and/or yelled at. He checked his phone to see that they still had over an hour before dinner. They had time to catch up with family and just enjoy the holidays together. But since arriving home on a late flight from college, he and Alessia hadn’t had any time to spare. It was all work, chores, and preparation.

“This is now way to make lasting holiday memories, together,” Liam mused.

He remained outside, not caring at all about the bitter November cold. A few moments passed and Alessia slipped out, looking just as overwhelmed. Knowing her, she’d probably snuck through the living room, trying to avoid getting assigned more tasks. She’d been eager to help when she arrived, but that eagerness was long gone. All Liam could do was glance at her apologetically.

“I’m sorry,” he told her.

“Don’t be,” she said, offering a kind gesture.

“I should be. This is no way to spend our first Thanksgiving together…stressed out and miserable. It’s bad enough we got stuck at class an extra day to finish term papers. We haven’t even had a proper date night since Halloween.”

“None of that is your fault, Liam.”

“I probably could’ve encouraged you to not come. I could’ve argued harder to just spent Thanksgiving with your parents, just like you did last year.”

“You wouldn’t have kept me from coming,” she said confidently. “I wasn’t going to keep putting this off. If we’re going to be together…if I’m going to be part of your life…then that includes parts like this.”

Liam managed a light smile, which Alessia returned. He didn’t doubt her words. Alessia wasn’t easily dissuaded from a challenge. It was one of many reasons he loved her. But this was a different kind of challenge for both of them. Just keeping up with it all was a strain.

“I could’ve at least prepared you more,” he said.

“Yeah, you could’ve,” Alessia admitted.

“I knew it was going to be rough…just not this rough,” he said.

“I wish I knew your parents would put me to work. I’m starting to think they don’t like me.”

“They don’t like anyone I bring home…not without testing them constantly.”

“Do you think I’ve passed?” she asked him.

“I don’t know. And it doesn’t matter to me. What matters most is making this Thanksgiving memorable for all the reasons for us. I’d hoped my parents would at least try to understand that, but…”

Liam’s words trailed off, his frustrations getting the better of him. Alessia consoled him, offering a loving gesture and a warm smile. She never doubted his good intentions. That was a relief. It still didn’t sit well with him, having little in terms of good holiday memories to share with her.

At the very least, he would’ve liked to spend some quality time together in his old bedroom. But his parents even denied him that, refusing to let them sleep in the same room and putting Alessia in the guest room with his female cousins. It certainly didn’t help that they hadn’t made love since that same fateful date night on Halloween.

Had he known that would be their last intimate moment together for several weeks, he would’ve made it more elaborate. Now, it looked like they wouldn’t have that moment for the rest of the week. Liam was not looking forward to that.

But as he contemplated all the stressful holiday chores ahead of him, Alessia’s expression and demeanor shifted. She had that distinct glint in her eye – the kind she only ever got when she sought to do something that was both challenging and reckless.

“Well…there are other ways of making Thanksgiving memorable,” she said to him in a seductive tone, “the kind that don’t just involve turkey dinners and pumpkin pies.”

“Oh?” Liam said, intrigued and a little nervous. “What did you have in mind?”

Alessia looked around a bit, as if to map out an elaborate strategy. Glancing inside, she saw that the rest of his relatives were engrossed in the TV. And his parents were likely still hard at work in the kitchen, obsessing over every detail.

If they went back inside, they’d find something for them to do between now and dinner time. In order to make a lasting Thanksgiving memory, they would have to be creative.

“Tell me…how likely is it your parents will lose track of time?” she asked him.

“With an hour before dinner…very,” he answered.

“And if we were to slip away for a while…would they notice?” she further inquired.

“Only if we slipped away to somewhere obvious…somewhere they could easily find us, yell at us, and drag us to more duties.”

Alessia bit her lower lip, her mind working fast. The way she moved in closer, seductively pressing her body against his, implied she had already formulated a plan.

“In that case…would your backyard shed be obvious?” she asked him.

Liam blinked a few times, impressed that she was willing to be that bold. He must have been really in need of sex because he didn’t dare talk himself out of it.

“Not in the slightest,” he affirmed.

“Then, what are we waiting for?”

Her mischievous grin widening, she latched onto his arm and led him towards the shed that sat on the far corner of his parents’ backyard. Liam put up no resistance, feeling his first twinge of excitement and elation all week. The backyard shed wasn’t at all ideal for a romantic rendezvous, but it was one of the few places on his parents’ property they paid no attention to this time of year. Given the cold, dreary November weather, it was likely the only private area remaining.

The prospect of making a good Thanksgiving memory with Alessia – a memory that didn’t involve his parents micromanaging or his family’s scrutiny – that genuinely intrigued him. It also did plenty to arouse him.

“A quickie with my girlfriend on Thanksgiving? Can’t get much more memorable than that,” he thought.

Laughing and giggling playfully, carrying themselves like a couple of horny prom dates, he and Alessia arrived at the shed. He then proceeded to unlock the large doors and open them. With Alessia still clinging to his arm, he led her inside.

“Close the door. And close it tight,” she said under her breath.

“Now, you’re just being paranoid,” Liam quipped as he kicked the door shut.

“Never let horniness supersede caution. It’s the best way to avoid awkward situation…especially around the holidays.”

“Speaking from experience with past boyfriends?” he said, snaking his arm around her waist.

“Shut up and kiss me!”

The door was shut. And, just as requested, Liam made sure it stayed shut. It made things in the shed a bit dim, having only the window on the far side for light. But it was more than enough. Having not felt Alessia’s intimate touch in nearly a month, he gladly navigated the dusty, dank, less-than-romantic ambience. Containing their desire for one another had been stressful. Finally, they had a chance to unleash their passions and on Thanksgiving, no less.

In an outpouring of pent-up sexual energy, he and Alessia eagerly embraced one another and met in a deep, sensual kiss. She literally jumped up into his arms, forcing him to catch her by her well-shaped butt. Instinctively, Liam squeezed it with both hands while she threw her legs around his waist.

Her rump firmly in both hands, he carried her over to his father’s work bench. It was a bit dusty, but clear of tools and debris. Even after setting her down, she clung to his shoulders while kissing him with greater intensity.

“I am so thankful for this…for us,” Alessia gasped.

“Me too,” Liam said, “so…so thankful.”

More kissing followed, this time with more tongue. Bolder touching followed, as well – hands roaming wildly around the insufferably formal clothes they’d been wearing since that morning. In addition, Alessia used her powerful legs to squeeze his waist, grinding her pelvis against his crotch. Even though his slacks, he could feel the growing heat of her inner thighs.

The heat soon led to a swift loosening of clothing. While kissing her, Liam skillfully undid the buttons to her blouse, revealing the black lace bra she’d worn underneath. Alessia returned the favor by untucking his shirt, undoing his belt, and unbuttoning the top of his pants. That gave the growing erection more breathing room.

But as much as Liam enjoyed such foreplay, he remembered that they had to move with a sense of urgency.

“Off…get this off,” he said with that deep, masculine tone he knew she loved.

Alessia gladly accommodated him, leaned back on the work bench to give him more room. Under her seductive glance, he eagerly removed her bra to expose her well-shaped breasts. Then, in a show of playful affection, she grabbed his head and pulled his face right into her cleavage, evoking moans and laughter of delight.

“Mmm…yeah! Enjoy a little appetizer,” Alessia cooed.

Liam certainly savored the feeling, but kept his hands moving. With not-so-subtle tact, he reached up the short skirt his Aunt Erin criticized earlier and pulled her panties down her legs. He only got a brief touch for the exposed outer flesh of her womanhood, but he felt enough to confirm that she was hot and aroused.

However, despite the need for urgency, he craved enough treat. Pulling his face away from her breasts, he whispered into her ear.

“Lean back a bit more,” he told her.

The deep tone of his voice helped communicate his intentions. Her grin widened and her excitement grew as she did as he asked, leaning all the way back and causing the wall of tools to clank.

Following his impassioned hunger, he dropped to his knees and pushed her legs farther apart. Her panties were off and her skirt remained on, but he still had a perfect glimpse of her pussy. Licking his lips intently, he buried his face between her inner thighs to taste his love’s sweet flesh. The spirit of Thanksgiving must have been strong because it tasted even better than usual.

“Ooh Liam! Darling…you must be hungry!” Alessia gasped.

He replied with a muffled moan as he lovingly gorged on the outer folds of her vagina, performing oral love to her most sensitive spots while savoring her delicious womanly juices. Whether it was hunger or passion, it had the desired effect. It allowed Liam to pleasure his lover, causing her to shift and shudder atop the work bench.

At some point during his efforts, she slipped off her blouse and kicked off her heels, leaving her only in her skirt. Despite the chilly air outside, Alessia didn’t appear the least bit cold. The conditions and ambience also didn’t keep her from achieving a state of full arousal. She soon became so wet and hot, her body craving his sex. The extra-sweet taste of her pussy got his arousal going as well, the growing erection in his pants now aching to be free.

“Mmm…ready, my love?” Liam asked upon removing his head from her inner thighs.

“I’m ready, Liam. Take me!” Alessia said without hesitation.

Reflex, instinct, and desire took it from there. Liam shot up from the floor, shed his pants and underwear, and repositioned himself between his legs. He then grasped her by the hips, drew her pelvis close to his, and aligned the tip of his rigid penis with her moist slit.

Their eyes now locked and their desires perfectly synchronized, he thrust his hips forward and enter her. Hard masculine flesh penetrated hot feminine depths, their bodies uniting in this intimate act. Together, they let out an impassioned gasp. From there, they proceeded to make love.

“Ohhh Liam!”

“Alessia…”

Little else had to be said after that. Alessia grasped onto his shoulders, her eyes still locked on him as they set a heated pace for sex. He tightened his hold on her hips, guiding her body with his as they rocked, grinded, and undulated together in a focused venting of love and lust.

Despite the dark, dusty setting – despite the chilly, brisk air – and despite the stress of the Thanksgiving holiday – their sex was still so beautiful and intimate. It was a testament to the love and connection they shared. They found a way to share and express that love, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. Their passion was just that strong. That helped make this act of lovemaking all the more enjoyable.

Liam forgot the circumstances and just enjoyed this feeling with the woman he loved. As their bodies moved, they kissed and shared loving gestures. He grinned as her breasts bounced and her legs shifted, showing off that added flexibility that he found so sexy. He kept the pace steady, but faster than usual, knowing they couldn’t draw this out like they usually did.

Thankfully, he knew Alessia’s body so well. He knew how to get her to the brink of orgasm. She claimed she was relatively easy to please, but he still strived to make the extra effort.

“I’m close! I’m close!” she panted. “I’m gonna…ohhhh!”

Her orgasmic moan filled the shed. It was sweet music to his ears. Liam grinned proudly as she closed her eyes, squeezed the fabric of his dress shirt, and threw her head back to offer a gracious cry to the heavens. He still held her close as her legs tensed and her inner muscles contracted, making for an extra tight sensation around his dick. Liam loved that feeling, too. It prompted an extra deep kiss when Alessia finally collected herself enough to share his affections.

“I love you,” he said to her.

“I love you too,” she said through her orgasmic daze.

The kiss kept the passions flowing. Through her lips and her heated touch, Liam sensed she still craved more sex. He did too, his body now aching for its own release. To that end, he followed more instincts and passions.

With a firm grip on her hips, he lifted her off the table and set her back on her feet. Then, with an assertiveness that he knew she found hot, he turned her around and bent her over. Even through her skirt, he got a nice glimpse of her perfect butt. His penis still rock hard, he guided his flesh back into her.

From there, their sex resumed. This time, the pace was even greater. Grunts and gasps grew louder. The loud smacking sound of his pelvis colliding with her butt filled the shed. His clothes became more and more disheveled. And even through the cold air, a light sweat formed on his brow.

But Liam didn’t let up. He was getting so close. He could feel it. Hearing his love moan and pant, he sought to share the feeling with her. So, using the same knowledge of her body that allowed him to give her such great oral sex, he reached around and stimulated her clit with his fingers. That got Alessia moaning louder and trembling harder under the extra sensations.

And in short order, she was ready to climax too. This time, he could share the ecstasy with her.

“Again! Ooh I’m going to…come again!” Alessia cried out.

“Me too, babe. Me…too. Oh God!” Liam gasped.

After a few more heated thrusts, it happened. He and his love crossed that magical barrier that separated them from the sweetest fruits of their love. A hot, orgasmic rush washed over them both and they took it in together.

It hit him first, his knees going weak and his grip on her tightening as he released his manly load up into her depths. It hit Alessia soon after, her lower body trembling as she threw her head back again, giving him a brief glimpse of that beautiful O-face he knew so well. As their bodies trembled, their embrace deepened. And together, they took in this feeling – supplementing it even further with a deep, loving kiss.

As he and Alessia processed and savored every moment, a silence came over them. For a moment, all they could hear was the wind outside and their own heavy breathing. Eventually, Alessia turned around and embraced him once more, resting her forehead against his in a fitting gesture of support.

“We…should get back,” Liam said, emerging from his daze. “Halftime is probably over.”

“Yeah…we should,” Alessia said, still smiling.

“Remember, we were just out here to make a call to your Uncle Evan,” he reminded her. “And if they ask why our clothes are so messed up…”

“I’ll just say it got windy. Your Aunt might not buy it, but…”

Her words trailed off. But Liam kept smiling. It helped assure her he didn’t care what excuse they made or that his relatives bought it. This was for them and them alone. There would be plenty of time to be thankful for everything else over dinner.

Content that they were on the same page, they kissed once more before parting. They then got dressed and tried to fix their clothes as best they could. But before leaving the shed, his love affectionately latched onto his arm and locked her gaze with his once more.

“I know it’s been a stressful week,” Alessia said. “But I’m still thankful we’re here…together.”

“Me too, Alessia,” Liam said to her with a warm smile. “The holidays don’t make it easier. My family doesn’t make it easy, either. But that’s exactly what makes being with you so special. And for that, I am so…so thankful.”

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