Most interesting. Thanks for sharing.

I have a friend who said her dad used to do this. It was people he knew though. If he thought they didn't have anyplace else to go he would invite them.

Such an interesting story. I wonder what motivated him?

It is an interesting story and one that I have contemplated doing many years. I see so many people looking homeless that I wish I had the courage to do so. Bless his heart. I wonder if his thinking was somehow connected to the poor of the Great Depression of the early 30's. There was NO safety net around then.

Very kind of you to agree to all those extra, unexpected dinner guests! Truly, it's wonderful if everyone who wishes to, could be welcomed to a Christmas celebration. I once heard a heartwarming story from a co-worker about the time she was away visiting family for Christmas, and how the hostess gradually invited more and more people as she heard of those who would be alone. Very gracious of her, because heaven knows, hosting large gatherings is not for the faint of heart.

No my dad never invited any strangers to our Christmas dinner. He was in the bar business. Mostly family. One year I do remember my mom's older brother was out of the Army and he never drove or married and he came to our house for dinner. Though we really just knew him as my mom's brother it was nice having Uncle Johnny at our home on the holiday. He wasn't homeless as he had an apartment but no family other than his sisters. My mom's parents both passed away when my mom was 14 and she and her siblings were raised by her grandmother who was also raising her other daughters 4 children as their dad couldn't. My mom was the oldest girl of 7 siblings. We always had a very nice Christmas. My mom made sure of that. Miss you mom.

I love this. I've never done it, never thought of doing it, and never known anyone who has, but I appreciate your dad's open heart and Christmas spirit--and your own, for doing your part in a big way.

I wonder if in addition to the motivation you mention, he might have been enlarging his family each Christmas, providing a sense of community. As an only child myself whose mother died young, I would think an orphan would do that.

Thank you for sharing your story!

Such a warm, unselfish thing to do; however, one can give to many in small ways throughout the year if they just think about it.....and begin. Cheers. ..... Pink

My DM told me that my father used to do something similar during WWII. He'd see some soldier or sailor on the street and invite them to our home for dinner. Yes, a nice gesture, but my mother then had to scrounge to extend an already rationing-stretched meal. Like your father, workoutlady, this 'generosity' cost him nothing, yet he got all the credit. My father craved approval. He was a second son with six siblings, raised poor; his elder brother was mama's favorite.

Truly, the Christmas spirit. He's inspiring!

That's a really sweet story. I'd be scared to death, but still very much admire your dad for bringing people home, and you for being ok with it.

My brother used to do this at Thanksgiving...his dear wife would never know who or how many would be there for dinner.....too bad the world has gotten so unsafe to be able to do this more.

sjerin - Initially I wasn't ok with it. The first year it happened, I didn't want to cause a scene so I waited until after Christmas to talk to him about this. It didn't work. He kept bringing the strangers over. I just went along with it. After that first year, I'd call him and ask how many he thought he might be bringing so that we could have a few generic gifts. I'd always add a couple more gifts just in case. My sisters couldn't talk any sense into him either, so we just went along with it. I never thought that this would be one of the main memories I had of my father at Christmas.

You father left you and now the readers of the thread a lovely example of open heartedness and goodness.

Wonderful comment, Happy.

As Chisue said ... it looks as though you, originally without your permission, did most of the work ... but he got most of the credit.

Your father and his siblings surely did have a difficult time, growing up. My Mom got hospitalised-sick when I was five, with a couple of younger brothers, but Dad had a fairly large farm and Grandpa died shortly after Mom got sick, so Grandma came to live with us. Though times were rather tough during the depression, we didn't go hungry and had a home. My Dad was thoughtful and kind ... but nothing like to the extent that your Dad, and you, of necessity, were.

Thanks to all of you for being so thoughtful and generous.

ole joyful