chapter 16 the giver

The memory is of a family sharing presents on Christmas, although he does not know the holiday's name, and Jonas experiences the warmth and happiness of the memory. He learns that old people have not always been relegated to a place of respect in the House of the Old, but in fact used to be grandparents. Jonas realizes that he has never known who the parents of his parents are. The information is in the Hall of Open Records, but The Giver reminds him that when he has children, his mother and father will be living with the Childless Adults or eventually with the House of the Old and will no longer be a part of his life. Jonas and Lily will not attend their release celebration because they will be too busy with their own lives, and their children will not know their grandparents.