We all fended for ourselves at the buffet on the side bar, then settled at the table. Simon prayed, including me among the things to be thankful for that day, which made me blush. After “Amen,” everyone began eating at once, exclaiming through mouthfuls of food how delicious it all was. And it was! I hated to admit it, but our family had never had a meal this good at any holiday. I felt a twinge of disloyalty to my mother, who had never been much of a cook or hostess.

When we finally stuffed ourselves to the point of bursting, everyone waddled back into the family room to flop onto the couch, recliner, or floor, and moan about never eating again. I was again grateful that I hadn’t been stuck home alone for the day.

After a while we managed to right ourselves, and the gift-giving began. I sat back against the couch watching everyone scramble to and from the tree. Mixed among the gifts were two marked “To Grace, From Santa.” Missy handed me one after everyone else had opened something.

“Oh, you really, really shouldn’t have given me anything,” I insisted. “Just having me here was enough of a gift, really.”

“Well, Santa didn’t seem to think so,” Jane explained, eyes twinkling with false innocence.

The first gift was practical, and I appreciated it: a spiral-bound Thomas Guide map for both Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Simon grinned. “You’ll never have to wrestle with a folding map again!”

The second was a coupon book for different restaurants and attractions in the area, another useful gift. I was touched by their thoughtfulness.

“Thank you, you guys; that was so sweet of you. I love them!” I reached over to the tree and picked up my gift to them, then handed it to Jane. “Not nearly as useful as your gifts to me, but just something to show my appreciation.”

Jane opened the box and withdrew the candle pillar and ornament candle. “Oh, it’s beautiful! And it matches the family room too!” She set it up on the mantel, where it did indeed match her decor. I gave myself a pat on the back for a gift well chosen.

“Time for movies!” David chimed in a singsong voice. “Grace gets first choice, since she’s the guest.”

“Enough with the guest stuff, already!” I looked at the titles stacked in a small tower: In a Wonderful Life, A Muppet’s Christmas Carol, The Matrix, and Miracle on 34th Street. I looked to Missy, confused. “ The Matrix is in with the Christmas movies?”

She smirked. “That one’s David’s fault. He claims its a different take on the Christmas story.” I looked to him and he shrugged, flashing a wicked smile.