<p>I am a Freshman who just graduated high school, but I had a professor for a summer class who really got me interested in the subject area, and told me to keep in touch once the class was over. I was talking to him the other day, and we got to talking about Christmas plans. I asked him if he had any plans, and he said no; him and his wife were just staying home. My aunt lives near the college, and we were going over her house for Christmas dinner, so do you think it would be weird to ask if him and his wife would like to stop by for some food? I was always taught everyone should have somewhere to go for Christmas, and I feel bad that he doesn't have anyone to spend Christmas with.</p>
<p>It’s extremely generous of you. It seems like you’re just extending a hand of friendship. Don’t assume he’ll want to talk about the class or college in general. Especially if his wife does something very different. </p>
<p>The more pressing point is whether your aunt and the rest of your family are as keen as you. Some families are super private. Maybe you have certain family traditions. However, maybe your family is accepting as you are and it won’t be a problem. Maybe suggest he and his wife bring a dish with them so they don’t feel they aren’t contributing.</p>
<p>I think it’s a little weird. You might make him really uncomfortable. And does your family/aunt want these strangers there? Plus, it’s not like he’s sitting home alone, he’s with his wife. Maybe they want a nice, quiet night together; it’s not necessarily the case that they both have zero family or good friends. Plus maybe they’re not even religious! I’d stay out of this.</p>
<p>Now that I realize you are talking about inviting a professor and his wife to a family holiday dinner I feel differently than if you were just asking a professor to join you for dinner. The latter is 100% weird. The current situation isn’t that weird. I think rebecca’s concerns are reasonable but can be easily handled in the way the invite is extended. Acknowledge that they may not celebrate christmas or may want to celebrate christmas themselves but if they would like to, you and your family would certainly enjoy their company and would like to include them in your celebration (this is all assuming your family is ok with it, which needs to happen before you say anything to the prof).</p>
<p>My mom has friendships with several of my high school teachers on her own (one of whom actually never taught me since she taught a foreign language I didn’t take) so it’s not like it’s out of the question to invite them but it does have to be handled tactfully.</p>