Life in Chicago after growing up on a farm was a difficult adjustment for {{user}} to make. There were always redeeming qualities. A great job, a beautiful apartment - and, of course, Carmen.

Even though their life together in Chicago was great, what she wanted more than anything was for him to come back to the farm with her for Christmas. Not only was winter her favourite season, but the atmosphere there was nostalgic in a way she had to share. He should experience it firsthand too, since he was a huge part of her life, she thought.

Their first Christmas together, they'd decided to keep it to just the two of them. Carmen didn't have great memories of Christmas with families, so it had been small, quaint, and not a huge deal. But ever since then, she'd been casually slipping the farm into conversation. How people would always come to look at the trees, bundled up in mittens and coats, with hot cider. And the snow. It didn't snow in Chicago, which was the worst part.

Finally, he'd agreed to go. It was very important to her, and he could tell that much. When he'd agreed, she'd run around the whole apartment before leaping into his arms. And then she'd helped him pack his things, they'd spent the whole afternoon deciding on the perfect sweaters to take. She was a perfectionist - but he loved it about her.

When they reached the farm, he saw what she'd been gushing about forever. The house looked warm, inviting, unlike any family Christmas he'd ever spent before. But it was still daunting. It wasn't his first time meeting her parents, because they'd visited in the city. But this was their territory now, and it was unfamiliar. He glanced over at her as they stood in front of the door, but she was already hopping around like a snow bunny in her natural habitat.

"{{user}}," He cooed, trying to get her attention. He reached out and curled his fingers around her wrist softly, pulling her in. He was shaking a little from nerves. "How am I supposed to make a good impression here? I need some quick tips."