Growing up, I had celebrated Christmas. My parents were never devoutly religious, hell, we never even really went to church. But, every December twenty-fifth, we had a tree up in our living room and left cookies out for Santa.

I’d never been part of a family who believed in something holy, just the trademark Toys “R” Us traditional family that bought into the marketing ploy of the holiday and not the actual meaning. Not to say that our traditions were bad or that I lacked for anything, but being around Demi’s family during Hanukkah was a whole different experience.

Aaron put on his yarmulke, placing the traditional cap on his head and opening his prayer book. Sarah carries loads of food on China platters into the dining room of their home, even though it is only the four of us. Matzo ball soup, brisket, gefilte fish, kugel, latkes, and so much more. Demi sets the special Hanukkah chalices on the table for us to drink out of, candles lit everywhere with the beautiful gold menorah in the middle of the table.

“Tonight, we gather for this feast to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. To celebrate the plight of our people, to remember all that it is to be of the Jewish faith,” Aaron starts, going through the prayers by memory as he smiles around the table.

I can feel the energy of their belief in the room, and I’m honored that they’re letting me take part. There is actually a real difference in having a holiday that is more about the spiritual side of things, and not just a massive unwrapping of presents.

The prayers that they recited, holding hands and singing, were intricate and they had me a little bit mesmerized. I couldn’t understand a lick of it, but with the ambiance and the recitation, I could just feel the love and faith circling around the room.

When they were done, and Aaron had blessed the meal to eat and cut the challah bread, Demi turned to me.

“So, what did you think about your first night of Hanukkah?” She looked gorgeous with her hair pulled off her face, her big eyes shining brightly.

“I think it’s amazing.” I squeezed her hand under the table.

“You don’t have to bullshit just to impress my daughter, Paxton.” Aaron spoke up from where he sat across from me.

Now I knew why all those teenage boys were scared that their girlfriend’s fathers were going to whack them with a shotgun on the front porch. Because I had a feeling, that if Demi turned her back, Aaron would do the same to me. My eyes glanced down to see if perhaps he was hiding said shotgun under the table.

“No, sir, and I mean it. Also, Sarah, this brisket is delicious.” Maybe if I stuffed my face the entire meal, he wouldn’t cut my fingers off for touching his daughter.

“Oh, thank you, sweetheart. Eat, eat, everyone,” she clucks, and it reminds me of my mother.

It feels nice to have a holiday with a family for the first time in a while. Usually, my brother, Dylan, and I celebrated holidays three days late because of my football schedule. And we had takeout and bottles of beer while giving each other one single gift. It was rather depressing, and we both missed our parents so much that it overshadowed the day.

“Thank you for letting me be here. It’s nice to have a family holiday.” I squeezed Demi’s hand again.

They all looked at me, and Sarah’s eyes became misty. “Well, thank you for being here. It’s been a long time since we’ve been a complete family unit, and I’m happy that you make Demi happy.”

Aaron didn’t have a backhanded comment for that one, and I counted that as a point for me.

“Oh, Mom, I started reading that new Nora Roberts book, it is so good!” Demi sips some of her grape wine and looks across at Sarah.

“I have to buy it on my Kindle, but I was going through some of the reviews on Amazon and they are wonderful. That Nora just knows how to write them.” Her mom cut into an asparagus spear.

“Personally, I don’t see how you two read that cheesy crap. Dan Brown is the best writer of this generation.” Aaron shook his head.

I cut in, not thinking before I opened my mouth. “That’s debatable. He’s good, but I prefer Douglas E. Richards.”

I’m too busy cutting my food to notice the silence, but when I look back up, they’re all staring at me.

“You read science fiction?” Aaron is gaping at me.

“I didn’t realize you … liked books.” Demi practically jokes.

I smile, goading them. “Oh, so what? The jock can’t like to read? That’s a bad stereotype, guys.”

Sarah cackles. “Oh, sweetheart, you are something else. A pleasant surprise around every corner! Well, good. We can start a book club then.”

Aaron butts in. “I love Richards … he’s one of my favorite authors. Which is your favorite novel?”

I mentally high five myself for being a science fiction nerd, because it’s totally scoring me points with my future father-in-law. And yeah, I went there. I was cocky enough to believe it would come true.

“Mind War, hands down. But they’re all good.”

Aaron launched into a conversation with me about his novels, and Sarah and Demi began to talk about a show on Netflix that fictionalized the British monarchy.

It was a night of family, of a little too much wine and getting to know each other on a deeper level. Sarah brought out dessert and set gold chocolate coins called gelt down by mine and Demi’s plate. Apparently, it was a tradition to give these to the children to bring them luck and good fortune.

By the time Demi and I said good night, I felt like I was really being accepted into the fold. And as she held my hand on the car ride home, I felt the weight of that chocolate coin in my pocket.

I already had all of the luck and good fortune I needed.