Growing up, we didn’t have a ton of holiday traditions. There was a tree and there were gifts and there was food, but nothing that was uniquely us. The only thing that came close was the yearly viewing of “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”
I was maybe 10 or so when my mom first pitched the idea of watching that movie to me. When she said what the plans were for the evening, I heard that we’d be watching something called “A Mall and the Night Visitors” and wondered what the f was so great about a story about some people who went shopping at night? I mean, kids trapped in a library, sure! (Thank you, Miss Frankweiler!) But what my mom was suggesting sounded ridiculous.
After she got done being offended by the wildly disgusted look on my face and realized the misunderstanding, she explained to me that AatNV was, in fact, an operetta about a little crippled boy who is visited by the Three Wise Men on their way to find Jesus.
She had me at “operetta.”
And now I’m wondering if “crippled” is a not-okay word to use these days.
Anyhoo, not only is it a fantastic little film, it’s also how I learned to sing opera. So I got two gifts that year. One, a movie to treasure always. And two, the assurance that I would never be burdened with popularity.
Please enjoy this clip from it.
What are your favorite (or least favorite) holiday traditions? Let us know in the comments!
And from me, my ugly sweater and two teddy bears getting it on to all of you: Have an amazing amazing holiday time–whatever you’re celebrating or not celebrating. However 2011 was for you, here’s to 2012 being even better! Thank you so so much for all your readings and commentings. I truly appreciate it and look forward to seeing everyone in the new year!!
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The Oreo Experience 
Traditions are reflections of the heart and soul of the people perpetuating them. It seems to me that the quality of yours more than offsets the lack of quantity, for it obviously is in your soul. Merry Christmas.
Sandy
OS- You write very well
Great write up. Traditions?? Not many. Poor one year and affluent the next. Cycle after cycle. But most of the time, as a family, we’d grace the movie theater with our presence – accompanied by frequent bickering and all-out brawls. I remember walking home from the theater – about 10 miles, in the snow and wearing a light sweater. It’s a wonder I love movies as much as I do with memories like that. Fortunately I’ve grown my own indivual love for this season and choose to surround myself with friends of good cheer. Best to you this season!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from a admirer.
Since I am becoming a fan of yours could you tell us what are you reading and what films you enjoy ?
Nah, crippled is probably not okay, but any word they come up with becomes offensive after just a few days.
As for my Christmas tradition, every year, without fail, I watch “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol” (1951).
Disgusted even more, Elves and Dwarves slipped to the frontiers away from the civilized cities and towns.