Tonight, the boys and I went to see the “classic” Christmas Story movie with Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB Gun that he so desperately wanted for Christmas. It’s such a down to earth portrayal of one family’s middle class holiday season in the
United States, and my favorite part is the narration from Ralphie as an adult.
I suppose everyone has their stories from family get togethers and life growing up, but Ralphie’s is told with a ton of humor and warmth, and so much so that you can’t help but love each member of his family in their own unique way and despite their idiosyncrasies.
I hope my children will look back on their childhood with such insight and humor as well as that same good measure of fondness. I know I feel that way when it comes to my childhood. My favorite memories of Christmas come with the eve of Santa’s arrival when we would gather with just our immediate family and open one present together, one at a time, so we could all enjoy the gifts given. I still abide by this rule, to open presents one at a time from youngest to oldest as it really brings home the spirit and meaning of the holiday, which is one of giving and receiving and being thankful for times spent together in quiet reflection and peace. There’s no rush when you are opening one at a time. There’s not cacophony of ripping paper so loud you have to raise your voice to be heard above it. There’s just patience and enjoyment of everyone’s gifts, instead of just focusing on your own. It brings the center back to family and away from the growing consumerism of the holidays.
My second favorite memory is of sneaking downstairs on Christmas morning and standing at the top of the three wooden stairs into our sunken den to try and get a peak of Santa’s goodies. My brothers and I all knew better than to actually step foot into the den without our parents, and Santa knew not to place gifts near the stairs where they could be seen easily, so it became part of the routine...give mom and dad a few extra minutes of sleep while building our own excitement for the morning ahead. Then, there was waking mom and dad up, getting down to business, and having a leisurely breakfast together afterwards. The best part of it all is being able to pass these traditions down to my children. I love sharing special family time with my boys as I still love Christmas and believe in its spirit as much as I ever did and having them gives me an excuse to be that little girl anticipating Santa’s arrival once again!
No comments:
Post a Comment