It’s a big week at the table! Matthew starts us off with some good news — a well-earned promotion — before the family looks ahead to the holidays and a road trip to the coast that will absolutely test everyone’s patience. God help us all.

Of course, we can’t avoid politics this week. Between the latest presidential plaques and the upcoming Patriot Games (no, not Hunger Games, though the vibes feel similar), the family is once again very divided. Then things escalate as we react to news of a potential UFC fight in front of the White House. Is it bold? Is it tacky? Is it cheapening a national symbol? Strong opinions are shared, and the optics are heavily questioned.

Kelly brings a moment of reflection by sharing about monks currently walking for peace and humanity — which immediately derails when Mom realizes she thought monks didn’t talk, Matthew wonders how they handle bathroom breaks and Anthony is… deeply shook.

We wrap things up with a more thoughtful moment as Mom shares the “word of the year” from Merriam-Webster and other sources (schools? companies? we’re honestly not sure). Each of us then picks the word that defined our 2025 and the word we want to carry into 2026 — though Anthony’s 2025 word barely survives the episode… maybe 20 minutes, tops.

As always, it’s heartfelt, unhinged, and exactly what happens when this family sits down together. Pull up a chair.