holiday fiction 1. Grandpa George has eight "gifts" inside his safe that Alan is to
choose one from on Christmas to be his: a baseball, a rifle, ten thousand dollars, a silver key to a 1972 Yamaha, an elk-ivory necklace, a marathon certificate, a Santa costume, and a bronze baby shoe. With each gift
there is a story, and Alan is to read only two a day, before he makes his choice. Which story do you think moved Alan the most, and why? Which story moved you the most, and why?
2. What do the eight stories reveal
about the tragedies and triumphs of George Maki's life, and what kind of man he was?
3. What is the message in this story concerning misunderstandings, grudges, and forgiveness?
4. Alan does not consider himself to
be a Christian, though by the end of the story he accepts Jesus as well as his gift from Grandpa. Really, Alan received two gifts from Grandpa George. Discuss how it is that even in one's dying and in death God is able
to use a person to bring someone to Christ. What was it about Grandpa's faith that Alan found so attractive?
5. As you read each one of the stories, what were your feelings concerning Alan's dad, Dale? What did you
want to say to him? What about Alan's mother? Do you think she could have done more to ease the situation, or should she have just stayed out of it like she did?
6. At the beginning Alan did not really want to go to
Montana and stay with his dying grandfather. After all, he was only 20 years old and had a life. How did this short visit change the character of Alan Maki?
7. What was Robin's role in this story? Have you ever found
yourself in Robin's position, visiting with someone who had no close family? Would you be more apt to do so after having read this story?
