When I was a young boy we never celebrated Christmas. You see my father worked 2 jobs and my mother too. Matter of fact the only time they saw each other was Sundays and they spent all morning in bed reading the Sunday paper and relaxing. I wasn't negleted, oh no. My grandmother stayed with us and took great care of me. Once a year my aunt and cousin would come over for a nice dinner and we would sing happy birthday to baby Jesus. It wasn't until I started going to school that I ever heard of Christmas and gifts and Santa. The other children laughed and said mean things when I didn't understand. Well you can imagine how confused I was and went home and asked my grandmother what this was all about. She explained my aunt's husband was in prison and that she was very ill. They both worked 2 jobs to support her and my cousin. They were too tired for gifts and decorations and such. She asked if I understood and if I was ok. I said yes and was very proud of them. Well the years passed and I got married and had my own sons and we celebrate Christmas in the traditional way. As each grew older and in school the other children told them there was no Santa they would come home upset and full of questions. Isat each one of them down and let them ask their questions. I would think of my father, look them in the eye and say "Of course there's a Santa and I'm one of the lucky ones who met him in person." Not a true story but it could be. Actually it was inspired by Delbeke's wonderful stories. We do sing happy birthday on Christmas eve but that's my wife's tradition, certain;y not mine....lol Thank you all so much for your comments, encouragement and friendship for this is the greatest gift of all. I wish you all the best of hollidays