Leonard and Penny

Penny burst into Leonard and Sheldon's apartment. Upon seeing her boyfriend, she squealed with delight and threw herself into his arms.

"What are you so excited about?" Leonard tried not to laugh at the childlike happiness she was radiating.

"Leonard, it's Christmas, everybody's gone and we have the apartment to ourselves! Both apartments! We can do whatever we want!"

"Oh, my God, you're right!"He tried to be enthusiastic, but couldn't. He had some news to tell her and wasn't sure how he could without upsetting her.

"Sweetie, what is it?"

"Penny, every year my mother visits." He tried hard to keep his voice gentle. This was bad news and to sound harsh while saying it, he was sure, would make her unhappier.

"What are you saying?"

"I couldn't deflect her. We're not going to be alone."

"Oh. OK."

"You're OK with this?"

"Leonard, she's not like other moms. She won't be all 'Use protection!' and I'm sure she'll get it that we're going to be doing things."

"She might ask us...questions."

"Whatever! I like your mom, OK? It's no biggie. When's she coming?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too, but I didn't ask you to say that. When's she coming?"

"Tomorrow night."

"Then we've got plenty of time. My boss gave me the week off, she stays until Boxing Day. It's going to be fine."

"Do you think we could start now?"

"Let's have dinner first. I'm cooking!"

"Yay.." He couldn't help smiling (despite his familiarity with her culinary skills) as he watched her humming her favourite Christmas songs as she got pasta out the cupboard. Maybe this wouldn't be such a bad Christmas after all.

Sheldon and Amy

Though she kept a neutral outlook, Amy felt very excited. Sheldon was taking her to Texas for Christmas! True, it wasn't a romantic trip, but she was going to be with her boyfriend for Christmas. Beside her, Sheldon was looking out the train window and telling her about all the train trips he'd ever taken. She loved it when he used his eidetic memory. For some reason, he didn't know how sexy it was.

"Amy, I have to warn you, my mother is very religious. If she says anything disparaging about science, just ignore it. That woman is not as into logic as we are."

"Right."

"My brother is an idiot. If he makes any sleazy comments, just ignore him."

"You think he'd make sleazy comments to me?"

"Yes. You're an attractive younger woman. I don't see why he wouldn't."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. My sister is nice, I suppose, but she's not as smart as we are, so try and be patient."

"OK."

"The others are all very loud and like to get drunk. Stay away from Uncle Stumpy unless you like seeing amputated body parts."

"Uh huh."

"My Meemaw will be there. Oh, Amy, you'll love her. She's sweet, loving, she gives the best hugs, she makes the best cookies, and she's just wonderful. I can't wait for you to meet her."

"She sounds like an amazing grandmother."

"Oh, she is. She's religious, but she's willing to accept people's beliefs regardless of whether or not the fore-mentioned belief involves a deity."

"I can't wait to meet her."

She couldn't. Anyone who could put a smile like that on Sheldon's face, she wanted to meet. She reached out and timidly took his hand, wanting to feel close to him. He turned his head and gave her a surprising (and heart-stopping) -ly big smile.

"This Christmas is going to be great!" Sheldon announced happily.

Dreamily staring at the smile her boyfriend still had, Amy nodded. "I know."

Howard and Bernadette

"I can't believe your whole family is willing to stay at Aunt Barbara's for Hanukkah." Howard shook his head. "I mean, I kinda expected Joey would want to, but even Joy is going. How did you do it?"

"Oh, I have my ways." Bernadette answered, coolly.

"Why is Joy going?"

"Because I told her it was time she got her head out of her ass. I told her she was narrow-minded, she disagreed and now she's coming."

"She is going to get killed. You do know that?"

"It serves her right for how she was at Thanksgiving."

"That's true. Hey, are the nieces and nephews coming?"

"The twins are. Katie isn't because y'know, Joy.. Micheal and Gabriel aren't because they got ill. Umm, Annette is, Johnny, Marcus and Robbie aren't because they're on a school trip. Debra isn't becuase she's still in juvie. But, Stevie and Joshua are. And Faith is pregnant, so that's six, technically, that are coming and seven that aren't."

"Awesome. That's thirteen new people for Aunt Chlo to chase around with her 'lucky' broomstick."

"I don't get it. Why is it lucky?"

"My grandfather beat off several Nazis with it. That broomstick saved his life. And his family's."

"Wow. That's amazing."

"Yeah. He was an awesome grandpa. Still is, but he's...His mind's gone. He still thinks it's World War 2. We just tell him he's in a safe-house. It's easier than telling him the truth. He won't understand."

"That's really sad."

"It is. But he tells really amazing stories. And he's such a wonderful guy."

"He sounds it. I can't wait to see him. Howie?"

"Yeah?"

"Will he mind that I'm Catholic?"

"As long as he doesn't perceive you as a threat, he won't care."

"What if he does?"

"He'll attack you with the broomstick."

"Joy's gonna get the crap beat out of her with it."

Yes, it's a Christmas fic. Yes, it's early, but better early than late and better late than never! I hope you guys enjoy it! Was it OK when Sheldon told Amy she was 'an attractive, younger woman' or was it too much? Please tell me if it was! I promise you, people, I'll be involving Raj next chapter!

Love from Shania! xx