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The holidays were fast approaching and snow had fallen heavily so far this winter. To Scott things felt a little out of sorts since he was normally at his job at the research outpost by now. Being home during this time was strange but with John around it was an enjoyable experience.

Scott was preparing a box of lights he had gotten out of the storage room; it was rather covered in dust from so many years of disuse. While he tackled the annual problem of the Alexandrian knot that was the ball of lights John was watching a Charlie Brown Christmas special. Scott would glance over occasionally just to watch his friend's face to see the reactions John was experiencing. Everything was all new for John and he was fairly innocent of the ways of the world and human customs, but he was really eager to learn. Scott was sure John would have several questions for him after the show.

While he was finally making headway in unraveling the ball John walked into the dining area and settled onto one of the benches at the long table. Scott eyed him while he tackled a knot in the string of lights.

“Is something wrong?" Scott asked, finally giving up on the ball of lights.

“That was a interesting show", John said with a smirk, “That kid has some issues I think."

“Oh I am sure that is a safe bet." Scott agreed.

“Do all humans get that way during this Christmas Holiday?" John asked.

“Well some people lose sight of the true meaning of the whole thing and only focus on materialistic portions." Scott said as he sat down on the other bench across the table from his friend.

“Presents you mean?" John asked.

“Yes, people can go crazy buying gifts or getting gifts from others." Scott explained.

“I see that the custom of gift giving is important since it appears in some of the customs of the different holidays this time of year." John scratched his chin as he appeared to do often when he was thinking deeply about something.

“Well it is a way of showing someone you think about them or they are important to you." Scott stood and went over to the counter island to finish attending to their meal. “It traditionally helps promote social cohesion and a spirit of community."

John watched Scott fuss over their meal as he normally did, tonight would be pot roast night. He enjoyed that meal most of all and helped his friend by setting the table and other small task.

“So how do you celebrate the holidays?" John asked.

“Well I was raised in the traditions of the Christian faith" Scott said as he pulled the roast pan from the oven and placed it on the counter island. “But I don't adhere to any one set of established doctrines or dogma; I hold my own personal views and beliefs."

“In what ways do you differ from the majorities?" John leaned against the counter top as he watched Scott.

“Well I normally do not discuss my views with others John." Scott said as he carved the roast. “Religion is a very touchy subject with humans and everyone has their own views about it and too many of us think their view is the correct and only view."

_ John listened intently and Scott continued on._

“Religion is often said to be one of humanity's greatest ideas. But if it is then it is clearly something too advanced for nearly all of humanity to use and be a part of because of how poorly humans handle it. We kill each other over stupid little details instead of focusing on the major central themes that are part of nearly all the religions of the world." Scott explained as he moved the food to the table now and sat down with John following shortly behind him.

“I try to adhere to four personal rules of discussion. I try to never talk about religion, politics, sports or money. Those are the four major topics that just about every human goes stupid over if someone doesn't agree with them on it." Scott explained to John, “But for you I am willing to set aside those rules for the sake of answering your questions the best I can. Just understand that these are mostly just my opinions and are not based on measurable facts."

John nodded to Scott in assurance of his understanding.

“Well to begin with I do not believe that people need to meet up in special buildings in order to commune with whatever power there may be." Scott elaborated to John.

“You believe in God then?" John asked.

“Well I don't think “God" in limits sense that many do as the read in whichever holy book they favor. If there is such a thing that shapes, guides, or ignores existence then I don't think the limited human mind could make sense of it." Scott said. “But I am not fond of the idea that everything that is just happened to work out so neatly the way it has."

“Besides the things I see in space are just too beautiful to not be “God's" artwork. Scott grinned and gave wink to his friend.

“So you think something might exist?" John asked, it was a simple question but had such a complex answer.

“I honestly don't know my friend, but I do not let that interfere with living as a good and decent person." Scott smiled at John.

“Could you explain to me what the meaning of Christmas is then?" John continued in is questioning.

“Well Christmas is to celebrate the birth of the Jesus, the son of God." Scott explained.“It may not be the actually day and there may or may not have been such a person, but it's the symbolic nature of the event that is more important. Ultimately it boils down to God forgiving humans because he loves them. But then people add in dogma and muck it from there."

“So love and forgiveness are part of it." John stated as he fixed his plate.

“Yes, part of loving someone is the capacity to forgive them for making mistakes." Scott agreed, “The other part is peace on earth and treating each other decently and with respect."

“Hmm, this is a very thoughtful holiday then." John said after giving Scott's words some thought and having a bite of his food.

“Indeed it is and it is the thought that counts as the saying goes." Scott added.

Dinner progressed on for over an hour as they talked about different traditions and ideas that many religions held in common at their core. Scott tried his best to not sway John's to his way of thinking about things, instead he wanted John to form his own understanding of things.

*****

Now with only three days to go before Christmas, Scott had finally managed to put up some lights in his windows and around his front door. It would not win any decoration contests, but the electricity meter would not break any speed records either.

John had carried a moderate sized tree inside and they had decorated the thing with lights and colored glass balls. John was rather pleased with being able to put the star on top of the tree; a rather easy task when the tree only came up to his chin.

“So John, since you have been a good little bear this year" Scott asked him as they were sitting down and John was gazing at the twinkling lights on the tree. “What would you like for Christmas?"

The question brought John out of his reverie and he turned towards Scott perplexed. “What do you mean?" he asked of Scott.

“Well I just wanted to know what kind of things you might like." Scott explained.

“I haven't given it any thought really." John shrugged slightly. “I didn't think I would get a gift."

Scott blinked, “Why wouldn't you get a gift?"

“Well I am not human after all', John explained as he turned towards Scott. “I was not born; I was created in a lab."

“How would that exclude you though?" Scott asked.

“Well, I am something man made, not a natural thing." John tried to explain his thoughts, “I am not something God made." He finally managed to say.

A sudden tightness started in Scott's heart at hearing John say that.

“You really think that?" Scott asked.

“Well, I only thought that would be the way of things." John shrugged again.

“John, I want you to understand something." Scott said as he leaned forward in his seat, wanting to make what he said backed up by his posture.

“You may have been born in a laboratory, but you exist because it was possible for you do exist. The universe had no cosmic rules excluding the possibility of you. I would see that as some kind of meaning that in some way “God" wanted you to exist." Scott tried to explain things. But these kinds of ideas were hard to grasp and often plagued people as well.

John thought about what Scott had said.

“You are my best friend John." Scott added as he placed his hand on John's knee. “I want you to truly understand that and believe it."

Scott then stood and left the room, left John to think about what he had told him. John was lucky to have not been able to see Scott's face then; he would have been distressed to see the hint of some tears in his human's eyes.

*****

Over the next few days John had struggled with what Scott had told him. He knew and had accepted the fact that he was created and it was because of Scott he had been. John had done some research about creatures like himself; being created in laboratories to serve humans. While the science behind them was well established and the understanding was sound; he and others like him where still new things. John also knew that others created beings like him were simple servants to human and not very intelligent things. He learned that humans kept them as pets and it was hinted at that some humans even used them for sex. But all of this was completely different than what John experienced living with Scott. He was not treated like a stupid animal by Scott, he knew for a fact that Scott had him designed to be of exceptional intelligence. Scott also did not treat him like a slave (he had to use the internet to learn what that word even meant), Scott did nearly all the house hold chores and cooking. And when it came to sex, well John understood the biological nature of what sex did, but he was not very enlightened on human sexuality. Researching that topic on the internet often proved problematic as John's searches often ended up with results for videos of humans having sex. Humans; it appeared, did not always follow the standards for sexual reproduction as was evident in how human males were shown coupled with other males and females coupled with other females. John made a mental note to ask Scott to explain such things to him some time. But in the end John knew that his situation was nothing like what he read about.

So John turned his thinking to the subject of what he could get for Scott as a gift. He knew that he cared about his human companion and he wanted to do something to express that feeling to Scott. But he had no experiences to draw from to help him decide so he was growing rather distress by the scope of things.

Scott needed to venture into town the day before Christmas and so John and he made the trip. The roads were very slippery which resulted in a much longer travel time. Scott glanced at his normally chatty companion and wondered at his uncharacteristic silence on this trip.

“A penny for your thoughts?" Scott prodded him verbally.

“I'm sorry?" John asked having had his train of thought derailed.

“I was asking you what was on your mind buddy, is something bothering you?" Scott smiled into the mirror that reflected the central area of the cargo van, the place of John's seat.

“Oh, I am sorry." John sighed as he looked out the windshield as the snow danced in the headlights. “I am just thinking about Christmas and the things you told me."

“I hope I did not say something that upset you." Scott had worried at having done so when John explained to him how he thought of himself.

“Not at all, I am just trying to make sense of how I feel." John rubbed at his thick neck fur. “It was simple to think of myself as just a thing; it takes more to think of myself as something like you Scott."

“It sounds to me like you are growing up and evolving your sense of self and identity." Scott glanced back up to the mirror a moment the back to the road. “I sometimes forget that you are still growing up mentally."

“So it is a normal thing I am going through?" John noted with some relief.

“Of course, people start doing that in their teenage years and continue doing that the rest of their life." Scott tried to reassure John; he remembered his own experiences as a teenager and coming to grips with his own inner demons and developing self-esteem.

They continued on the road, in the distances the bright lights of town growing visible as a peach colored glow.

*****

The streets were busy with people driving and walking, many carrying packages or bags. The roads where nearly clear of snow thanks to the busy work of the snow removal trucks. Traffic was moving reasonably given the small population of the town. Soon they had arrived at the post office and went inside where Scott stood in line while John waited to the side where his size would not get in anyone's way. While the line moved slowly, John did his best to keep his mind busy and ignore the looks he knew people were giving him. Trying to read one of many informational postings that populated post officials the world over, John failed to notice a slight tug at his sleeve at first. It was the second more insistent tug that got his attention and he looked around before he spotted the source of the pulling and the small hand of the young girl who was doing it.

“Hello Mr. Bear." The little girl smiled up at John as he towered over her.

“Hello." John said simply as he tried to give his best smile. He was more comfortable with children since they were so often curious about him. They at least never made him feel like a spectacle only something interesting, there was a difference between the two.

“Are you a polar bear?" she asked, “Are you from the North Pole?

“Yes, I am very much like a polar bear." John said as he lowered his long neck and bent down to better see her. “But I am also different because I can also talk and not likely to eat you."

“That's good." She smiled again.

“But I am not from the North Pole I am afraid to say." John continued as he answered her second question.

“Oh, I guess you don't know Santa Claus then." She said with a small note of disappointment.

“I am sorry, I don't know Santa." John told her."But I wish I did."

“Yeah, Santa is nice and he brings me presents!" she beamed, her brief disappointment forgotten.

Something about this situation was almost like a scene out of some T.V. Special John thought with a grin. “I know."

“I've been good and I asked Santa for a sledge so I can slide down the hill in our backyard." The sweet girl rattled on.

It was while she was describing the hill to John that he noticed a woman looking around then locking her eyes on the child and him. He also noted the sudden widening of her eyes. John himself only sighed at what he knew was the likely reaction as the woman walked quickly towards them.

“There you are Wilma, I told you to stay next me honey." She said as she took the girls hand and pulled her close. She then looked at John, “I am sorry, I hope she was not pestering you."

“Not at all ma'am." John assured the woman as he stood back up. The woman stepped back a step as John assumed his normal height once again.

“The lovely young lady was just asking me if I knew Santa Claus." He explained as he bobbed his head down towards the child.

“He's a polar bear mommy, but he is not from the North Pole." Little Wilma firmly informed her mother..

“Oh, I see." Mommy said as she looked between her daughter and the big bear. A small smile

“I enjoyed meeting you Wilma." John smiled at them both. “But I think I have to be going now."

“Oh, okay then Mr. Bear." Wilma smiled. “Merry Christmas!"

“Yes, Merry Christmas." Added Wilma's mother.

“A Merry Christmas to you both as well." John returned their wishes in kind.

Upon seeing Scott approaching, John waved to the women as they turned and left; disappearing out the double doors. Now at John's side, Scott asked if everything was okay. He had seen the exchange between John and the two women.

“Everything is fine." John assured his friend," I was just asked if I knew Santa." He couldn't help but grin.

“I see." Scott only smiled.

Not noticing that Scott was carrying a few boxes of differing sizes, John apologized and offered to carry them. But Scott only assured him that he had them and they returned to the van.

Once inside and with the packages stowed away, Scott asked John if he would like to do anything else while in town.

Only after a few moments pause John gave a nod, “Yes, I think I would like to visit Santa Claus."

Scott gave his friend an odd look, but then smiled. “I think that can be arranged." And he started the van and pulled onto the road.

*****

They arrived at the small mall a short time later and after circling for ages they managed to find a parking place. John's large size helped here greatly; people in their busy shopping rush parted before him like a sea before a ship. Scott followed behind in John's wake and they headed to the center of the mall where Mr. Claus did his yearly visit.

The thick line of children and parents was the first hint to Scott that they had found their man. John had a better view point at his elevation and he spotted the bearded man in the red outfit sitting in a throne like chair with a child upon his lap. Luck was with them by way of the line; though thick, was also short. Scott looked at his cell phone and noted the time; the mall would be closing in just under one hour. So they waited in line for their turn to speak with the big man.

While they waited some children talked to John and he reported he was here to see Santa as well. Children who had already visited him came back around and soon a small flock of kids had gathered around Scott and John and some of the parents even asked if John would take a picture with their kids as well. John was very happy to do so and was enjoying being a part of the holiday experience for the children. After a several photos and some friendly chatter the children departed and they found themselves the last visitors in line and the mall P.A. was informing visitors that it would soon be closing.

“I seem to have had some competition this year with the little ones." Santa said as he walked over to greet them.

Scott smiled and John gave a friendly nod to the fellow he towered over.

“How can I help you boys?" The red attired man asked of them.

“My friend John here wanted to meet you sir." Scott explained, “This is his first Christmas and so we had to come."

“Oh is it now?" Santa asked as he extended his hand to John. John took the offered hand in his great paw gave a gentle shake.

“Yes sir." John gave the fellow a smile. “Scott here explained to me how things worked and I wanted to speak to you if possible."

“Oh I think I have some time for you, thou I think you are a tad overly large to sit upon my lap." Santa laughed.

“Oh no sir, I wouldn't think that would be proper." John agreed.

Together Santa and John walked over to the big throne and Santa listened to and answered John's questions. Scott stood far enough away to be out of earshot and give his friend some privacy.

They talked for a short time and Scott stood aside; busying himself by watching the last of the shoppers rushing towards the exits. It was only when a sudden flash of light behind him startled Scott that he turned back to John. Scott could not hold in the laugh the sight he beheld gave him. John was seated upon the throne; wearing a moderately large red cap with fuzzy white trim, and Santa was sitting on John's left knee. Both were grinning and the female aid who had taken the photo was having a fit of giggles herself.

Scott walked back to his friend and Santa jumped down from John's lap. John was getting his photo from the still giggling lady and both were admiring it when Santa approached Scott.

“You have a very special fellow there Scott." The white bearded man said as he gave his friend a pat on the shoulder.

“Oh I know that very all too well Mike." Scott agreed.

“Now now, call me Santa." Said Mike in a grinning whisper.

“Oh right, sorry." Scott apologized then asked, “Where you able to help him?"

“Oh I think so." Mike adjusted his big black glossy belt as he turned towards John still busy talking to the camera aid.

“What was troubling him?" Scott asked as he also looked upon his great white companion.

“Well he was troubled with what to get you as a gift actually." Mike said and he explained to Scott what John had questioned him about.

Scott was relieved to learn John was alright and he thanked his friend Mike for the help.

“It is nice that you do this every year Mike." Scott looked at his friend in his costume. “You pull off the Santa look very well."

Mike tugged at his thick white beard. “Well the real beard helps and so does the belly full of jelly."

“Thank you again for everything." Scott said as John now returned to his friend.

“I thank you myself sir." John offered as well.

“Good night boys and be good." Santa wished them well as he went to help his aid pack up the props and gear.

Back in the van Scott would glance at John in the rearview mirror while he drove. The streets were fairly clear now and the snow had stopped while they were at the mall. Scott was glad at the visible change he saw in John's spirits; John was still quiet but gazed out the side window more at ease.

Finally they arrived home and John helped Scott bring the few packages inside. Both were tired and happily crawled into bed after first slipping on their nightware ; soon both were sound asleep.

*****

The smell of cooking roused John from his slumber the next morning. Scott was not in bed he noted and so he too got up. Rubbing his eyes he walked into the kitchen area, John was greeted to the sight of Scott cooking some breakfast, but there were other smells in the air as well.

“What is that wonderful smell?" John asked as he heavily sniffed the air.

“That would be the small turkey and ham in the oven." Scott informed him as he turned over the pancake he was working on. “And good morning."

“Good morning." John said as he stretched and gave a mighty yawn.

“Let me finish this up and you brush your teeth; then we can open presents." Scott said casually as he placed the finished cake on top of the large stack he had already prepared.

“Presents?" John asked.

“It is Christmas morning after all." Scott nodded even though his back was turned away from John. “Go on and hurry up."

John did as instructed but wondered at presents all while brushing his teeth.

Finally after all was finished John returned to the dining room and found Scott was instead in the adjacent living room. Under the tree were only a few brightly wrapped items John noted as he came in and settled down on the floor next to Scott sitting on the couch.

“Where did these come from?" John asked as he looked at the items beneath the tree.

“Santa brought them maybe." Scott guessed.

“You told me how that worked." John said as he eyed his friend skeptically.

“Well he was the spirit of the season if not the real person." Scott said in rebuttal.

John sat and looked at the wrapped box and three other less defined shapes.

“Go on and open them." Scott said and gave John's shoulder a gentle prod.

“They are all for me?" John asked.

“Indeed, I think that is your name on the tags." Scott laughed, “I don't think Santa ever made a wrong delivery."

John retrieved the items from under the tree and Scott watched his friend begin to open them. John worked at the task with gentle movements, afraid he might damage the colorfully wrapped items.

First he opened the large flat box shaped gift and found a large screen tablet and stylus within. John looked at Scott only to see the smile upon his friend's face.

Next he opened one of the three other packages and found some clothing articles like his other outfits.

“Oh sorry there, can't have a Christmas without some clothing I guess." Scott laughed.

Now grinning John opened another of the two packages and found it held a collection of various science fiction films he was very fond of.

Finally, John opened his last gift and found it contained thick pictured frame and inside was his picture with Santa from last night.

“That photo is very special." Scott said after John thanked him for the gifts.

John nodded to his friend then frowned.

“I didn't get you anything though." John could not look Scott in the eye and instead looked down at the wrapped paper on the floor by his big feet.

“Of course you did John." Scott said as he placed a firm hand on John's shoulder.

John managed to find the strength to look at Scott's hand then at his friend's face.

“I did?" he asked Scott." What could I have gotten you?"

“You have given me something every day since you first woke up and looked at me John." Scott said.

“Because of you I am no longer alone." Scott explained. “I'm happy now thanks to you."

“Every day you give me your friendship and companionship." Scott continued.

“That is what I was designed to do though." John countered and sighed.

“I had someone who was good at math created to help me in my work." Scott corrected him." You are the one who has gone beyond that to become something more than just a calculator"

Scott then gave John a hug, his arms barely able to encircle John's thick long neck. Scott did not display his feelings physically very much. John felt a warmth in his heart at his human friend's embrace and he hugged Scott back, the first time he had ever done so since coming to live with Scott.

After a long moment they broke the embrace and John met Scott's eyes then, as he knew the truth of his statement.

“Not all gifts are packages wrapped in bright paper John." Scott explained to him. “It is the thought and the desire to give a gift to someone; because you care about them that is the true gift."

“Thank you John." Scott smiled warmly at John."Thank you for being my one real and true friend.

“Your welcome Scott," John said, a lump in his through. “And thank you for being my friend too."