About 38 years ago, Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, said he “had a miserable Christmas” because he was mad at his family and chose to spend the day alone. “I was so lonely,” Smith said. “I said to myself, ‘I think this happened to me because God wanted me to know how people feel on Christmas when they’re lonely and don’t have anyone to share the holidays with.’” Smith’s experience led him to create the annual Spirit of Christmas gift giveaway, which he said is in its 37th year. He

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