"We have gifts for you too," Alex said as he held out the packages in his arms.
Michael took them and placed them under the tree next to the other presents. "Thank you."
"You guys have adjusted really well," Claire told them. "What have you been doing since I last saw you?"
"We joined a gym, got our learner's permits, studied for the GED, and watched educational Christmas programming after doing a bit of internet research," Carmen explained. "We found the concept of exchanging gifts fascinating."
Sarah nodded enthusiastically. "And there are so many traditional foods revolving around this holiday! I have been practicing a few of them such as the fruitcake I made for you. I plan to make us a full course Christmas dinner using recipes from the Food Network."
Wow. That was the most emotion Claire had seen from any of these guys. A lot had changed in nearly a month.
"That's awesome! Way to go, you guys," she praised.
