Nomads (like us) value song, dance, stories, and character traits you always have with you. Things that break, occupy space, that you have to pack, carry with you, dust, and insure become burdens.
Some time ago, we made a clear policy that was meant to relieve burdens on the parents who move the household, and to ease the expenses on young families and students. True we give gifts, but they are more sentimental than anything, and we like them small so we can put them into the branches of the Christmas tree.
At Christmas time, our family sponsors activities. This year, Michael is sponsoring the family (with a grant from Dad to assist with expenses) to go see the Hobbit movie. Valerie, Ravi and Justin are cooking a sit-down dinner for us. I sewed a personal gift for everyone. Dad took Katie and Michael shopping for a shelter that includes children.
So 6 of my people are here with us Christmas week. I am pleased that they are willing to be tolerant and live in close quarters, (sharing a bathroom!) so that they can spend more time together. They talk and laugh and talk and eat. I am glad they have this heritage of yearning to be together.
