I went vegan at age 17 and I swear, for at least 4 Christmases afterwards, my mom and dad continued to stuff my stocking with milk chocolates, toffee nuts and other sweet, off-limit atrocities.

The first Christmas this happened, I thought maybe mom and dad just didn't realize that these Kisses had milk ingredients, so I said nothing and ate nothing.

Still, the next year, busting over the rim of the stocking: butterscotch candies like Niagra Falls. I think I dropped a solid hint that I don't eat this stuff anymore and then of course, there's the whole not eating of it thing that should have been hint enough.

The third year my parents were full-on suspect. At the sight of another chocolate Santa, I gave a verbal shopping list of exactly what would make me light up like Cindy Loo Who next stocking season: nuts, dried fruit, something creative. My parents so flaunt their creativity. What's up with this parental pressure, anyway?

It was finally a face off on the fourth year. I demanded answers as to why Kris Kringle hadn't updated his reality. Bless their hearts, my awesome dad and mom replied sheepishly that they "just couldn't imagine not giving their daughter chocolate in her stocking" - they thought I was a "good little girl" every year (which of course I am!) and they just wanted to give me those time-honored special "good girl" treats.

It dawned on me then that often times people gift others what they themselves want or wish the other person wanted. When we all know that opening a gift that is so tailored to your personal wishes shows someone has been paying attention and is thinking solely about you.

This year my stocking was stuffed with peanuts, Brazil nuts and walnuts. And it didn't seem to disappoint mom and dad at all to know they gifted me exactly what I always wanted. It may not be traditional, but really ... what fun would that be anyway?

I am thankful for my family this season.

Merry solstice ...

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