God bless us everyone

[khaosworks]

Spending Christmas at Bedlam House with the Suttons has been an odd experience. Christmas has never been a big deal with me or my family - Singapore doesn't have snow, and my parents aren't Christian. As a kid, I sometimes got Christmas presents, and I remember at least once we had a tree, but it was never a traditional thing.

Well, this Christmas is probably the first traditional Christmas I've had, ever.

Aside from Bill and Brenda, their daughters (with respective spouses) and son - and new grandson - were in attendance as well. There was a fireplace, and stockings hung on the mantle, and a real live tree with tinsel and lights and Christmas presents wrapped up under the tree, and on Christmas Day, the whole family gathered around and unwrapped their presents in turn.

I was privileged to witness this, and I was doubly privileged and moved to discover that Bill and Brenda not only had hung up a stocking for me, but had bought me gifts as well. I wasn't expecting any of that at all.

Bill's often stated that I'm "family", but this was the first time I think I realized he was being serious. I couldn't have asked for a better surrogate family, myself, and I feel triply privileged to have been semi-adopted by the Suttons.

I just feel slightly ashamed that I didn't get them any presents. I guess I'll have to start saving up for next year.

Comments

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

I'll bet they were fine with you not bringing presents, didn't expect you to, and were delighted to be able to surprise you. :)

[daphnis.livejournal.com]

Mary's right, of course! The best way to thank the Universe for loving family and a good life, rich or poor, is to share freely with others, IMHO. One of my daughters and I exchanged 'gifts' by each donating our $$$ to Native American Assistance funds. I often celebrate that way, giving to Care and Share or Feed the Children or Unicef. And giving away creates space for More to come in, y'know...

[surrdave.livejournal.com]

Something my Mom and Dad said: the only way to pay back your parents is to give it to your kids. At Christmas we give gifts to any generation below us but not up nor to our own. Just a guess, but I think the Suttons would agree that the whole "pay it forward" thing works for friends too.