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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 17, 2008 - 17 Changing definition of family for traditional holiday dinner Continued from page 16 mom did and I do. I've always hosted Christmas dinner since I've been an adult and it's such a nice day. I don't know, it's just special," said Ratcliffe who has lived in Oakville since the late 1980s. The idea of a large family feast -- at least larger than usual -- was born some time ago. "I was kind of afraid to mention it at first," laughed Ratcliffe, acknowledging that her husband Gordon Christian has seen her get involved in various efforts. "Our family is small and I have always wondered what it was like for those big families you hear about -- 40 or more people gathered around on Christmas day, sharing stories and laughs, the big Christmas dinner -- everyone gathered around enjoying each other and the day. So we have decided that we will expand on the definition of family, and this year we will create our own big family for Christmas," said Ratcliffe. "We just changed the definition of family," she said. When Ratcliffe first mentioned her idea to her stepdaughter, Kathleen Christian, it was received so well that the idea has grown into a plan -- one that now has each family member assigned "their job" for the big day. For example, Ratcliffe's daughter Jenni and son-in-law Mike Hubbert are in charge of the mashed potatoes and gravy for the day. Her friend in Peterborough was given a large turkey by her employer and is donating the turkey to the day. Ratcliffe has a daughter and two grandchildren. Her husband has two grown children. Both she and her husband's moms will be at their dinner. In all, Ratcliffe's family numbers around 10. So far, about 13 others have taken her up on the invitation to Christmas dinner. She has extended the invitation through various community agencies. On Monday morning, Ratcliffe spoke to an 80-year-old man who is a crossing guard and told her he can afford Christmas dinner, but that he'd just prefer not to be alone for the day. Another single mother who has four children will be at Ratcliffe's table on Dec. 25, as will a family that is new to Canada and another couple who recently lost their son. St. Jude's Church in downtown Oakville has offered its premises to host the event. The dinner will be cooked at the church hall and served in a sit-down dinner style. Ratcliffe is offering transportation to and from the event. There will be Christmas crackers and treat bags and Santa will visit with gifts for the kids. "We always go overboard on gifts," said Ratcliffe, explaining that this year her family has picked one name for gift giving and each has donated some cash to cover the cost of the dinner. 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