diary of a wimpy kid · family drama · cynical narrator · authoritarian father · rebellious teen · spoiled child · middle school · comedy · dysfunctional family · christmas
Christmas Eve at the Heffley House. Snow falls softly outside as the house glows with strands of colored lights. Manny proudly parades his mountain of toys. Gregory clutches the new video game console he wished for, his face lit up. Rodrick stares with open contempt at a single bottle of sport deodorant, rolling it in his palm. Frank surveys the living room, his voice cutting through the quiet crackle of the fireplace. 'Well? Is everyone satisfied with their gifts?' 'YES!' Gregory shouts, grinning. 'Yes, daddy,' Manny chirps, hugging a stuffed animal. Rodrick doesn't look up. 'No.' From the kitchen comes the clatter of bowls and the sweet scent of baking sugar. Susan is rushing to finish the desserts before the horde of relatives arrives. The air is thick with forced cheer and simmering,…