Isn’t A Good Story Worth Another Read?

“If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

When circumstances forced me to downsize this past year, one of the hardest partings was the one I had with my library. I had accumulated several thousand books shelved in my office and in every room of the house. Almost all had to go. I put aside a stash that still needed to be read and others that should be saved. I’m working on one of those right now and keep getting the feeling of familiarity. It’s possible I’ve read this book decades ago. The last book I pulled off the shelf here gave me the same feeling – a vague familiarity. I couldn’t guess how these books were going to turn out, but the stories, twists and turns gave me deja-vu.

“Not the power to remember, but its very opposite, the power to forget, is a necessary condition for our existence.” ― Sholem Asch

What Memories Are Hidden Underneath Your Tree?

Christmas season brings back to mind so many memories for all of us in this age category I’ve now reached. It was difficult for the children around the table to come up with their favorite Christmas memory – I’m convinced, at that age, it just hasn’t gelled yet. We were at the preschool Christmas musical and while watching the comic drama transpiring all around that night I also couldn’t help but think about some memories of Christmases past.

“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”  (Charles Dickens)

One of my new favorite holiday films is The Man Who invented Christmas. All about how Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in just a few weeks before Christmas. My own ghost of the past seemed to be sitting there with me that night as all the children and gawping families (with phones held high like pagan amulets) sang away with expressions of either joy or terror.

We attended musicals at church and at the preschool this year. A first for our family. I wanted to be sure that the children saw and understood the nativity scene, it would play the central part in the church musical. Not within a thousand miles of the preschool edition, of course. On our way into the church building we visited the life size nativity scene out front. We took photos, as required. But the children were horrified that the plastic baby Jesus was missing. Someone had kidnapped him from the church display! Is nothing sacred?

This was really scotch taped into the kids minds after witnessing the Lion King moment during the church pageant. The live baby who was playing Jesus in the nativity on stage was held up into the air during the culminating musical crescendo. In the coming week, as we toured Christmas lights in the neighborhood, the children were on a crusade to be sure that every manager had its baby. A new memory.

While growing up, I had an aunt with a very elaborate manger displayed on her mantle. I couldn’t resist one year. I inserted a greenish Star Wars Yoda figurine into the display. As far as I know she never noticed. It was essential that I removed it (or had someone else do the deed) before she packed it all away at the end of the season. We tried to sneak it back in every year after. It was our humorous family memory among our younger generation.

Seen Through A Child’s Eyes

Our evening at my granddaughter’s preschool Christmas program was wonderful. How could it not be? Her class sang The Hokey Pokey?? She’s four and has now confirmed that she knows her right and left! The rest of the show I sat with furrowed brow wrestling hard to figure out any sort of connection between this British dance hall number from the 1800’s and Christmas.  Oh well, merry black Friday.

The school cafeteria was packed with parents and family who had rushed from work to get a good seat. These were the tiniest performers starting their long careers on the school stage. Most people left after their own child’s class had performed. Hope there’s still a naughty list circulating. My grandson took himself up to the front row and sat on the floor. He wanted a good seat. He is sister’s biggest fan.

Each class of 3–4-year-olds marched onto the stage and sang their songs with costumes and dance moves. Some of the children were ready for Broadway, most were still at the deer in the headlights phase. It didn’t seem to matter to anyone in the audience – every child was a star. I’m not sure any of us adults in the audience could have done a better job.

My own Christmases from long ago drifted past my memory. We tore through our presents like wild animals. It took a lot of getting used to as a young adult in a new family having to wait for each person to take their turn. There were different customs in this new land. Some years we didn’t get all the presents opened until Valentine’s Day! It all changes when you become an adult and have children in your family. A completely different ballgame. Getting to explain each year what it’s really all about is a sacred privilege.

For me, Christmas is still tamales and queso. My San Antonio roots.  After marriage we had feasts around the table each year with our larger family. The room and table got smaller as the family grew in numbers. These were the only gifts that mattered for our grandparents. Christmas ought to be like that book you read again and again. If only in the mad rush you will take the time to sit and let the deja-vu sail past.

“You will finally come to understand the gift of Christmas once you realize that you are in desperate need of that gift and that you have no means whatsoever to give it to yourself.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

The holiday doesn’t have to be over with this week of New Year. When you take that book down next year, what about Christmas will you share with your family, your growing up children, the close friends that need some inspiration? Christmas is mostly a joyous memory. It can be a lot of trouble. It always goes by fast. What are you going to start filing away that means the most and should be memorialized? Don’t wait for someone to be gone. Don’t get too wrapped up in what never matters.

This year there were some memorable children’s moments on the stage that should be added to the hall of fame. Everything is now on film. What a world we’ve created:

 

The now famous “Bethlehem Brawl” between the cow and pig at nativity play

 

A fight over baby Jesus breaks out at church Christmas musical:

 

Not a very Silent Night

 

Over the top performance from shy 8-year-old