House Rules

When Jacob is upset after his argument with Jess, he soothes himself by reading through his collection of Christmas cards from the Steinberg family. Jacob has saved every single card from the Steinbergs, and he often calms himself by reading their letters in order from oldest to most recent. He follows along with the Steinbergs through their yearly graduations, weddings, and promotions, and he imagines that their Christmas cards are addressed to him. Jacob finds comfort in pretending that he is friends with the Steinbergs, and they want to tell him about their lives.

Jacob’s collection of Christmas cards symbolizes his longing for friendship. Just as the Steinbergs don’t know him—and therefore do not intend to include him in their lives—so Jacob feels unseen and excluded by his peers. Although he yearns to connect with others, he doesn’t know how. Friction in his relationship with Jess highlights the difficulty of making and maintaining friendships, so Jacob seeks comfort through his imaginary relationship with the Steinbergs. The Steinbergs can never let him down because reading their Christmas cards removes his discomfort with in-person interaction.