Editor's Note: Guest blogger Arthur didn't send in any information about himself other than he lives in Columbus, Ohio. We wish Arthur a merry Christmas - with his partner and in-laws.

This with be the 24th year I have spent Christmas with the in-laws. The first year, I didn't expect much from the huge mound of presents under the tree, they did not know me well. The second year, as my partner was showered with multiple expensive gifts, I received an ill-fitting 80's 100% acrylic sweater. I was not happy, I had tried so hard to find the perfect gift for his parents. I thought, "What do I have to do to get accepted? Is it a gay thing?"

The third year when it came time to exchange gifts, I paid attention to the gifts my partner's sister-in-laws received. The gifts were just as bad as mine. Without knowing it, I had been treated just like the other in-laws. I was a member of the family! Now I don't care about the present, I know they would be very upset if I didn't come.