shallow traditions too

BEST- We started it three days ago. But the actual inspiration came from the fun we had last year, snuggled up watching the Christmas classics together. It is an odd tradition for a family that spent most of their time together either without a TV, or with strict limits on TV time. But it was a time that even the teens enjoyed, a time I could enjoy even when I could not do much else.

So, this year, in our current state of unemployment, when L asked “What are we going to do for the holidays?” I replied,” Let’s watch all the Christmas movies that are worth watching.”

So, I made a list of those we had, those we could get from Netflix, and those we could stream to our TV. There is a mix of classics, moderns, foreign film, and documentaries. There are comedies, tragedies, and the usual sanctimonies sappy stories. We severely limited TV specials, although we did include a few.

In the last few days, we have watched Noel (Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams, Penelope Cruz ) March of the Wooden Soldiers (Laurel and Hardy), Miracle at Sage Creek (supposedly set in Wyoming, but filmed in Arizona which was puzzling to say the least), This Christmas ( the best of those we have seen so far), and Holiday (Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn). The 14 year old flits in and out based on how much he likes what we are watching, the 16 year old, when he is home, is satisfyingly indulgent and watches with us.

For a woman who has spent most of her sons' lives focused on traditions rich with meaning and depth, it is amazingly shallow. And it is proving to be incredibly fun.

Tonight, I have a Ministry and Council committee meeting so we will watch the required movie early, and limit ourselves to one. In the mail we should get: 8 Women, Bad Santa, and La Buche. Waiting on instant movies is Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone, The League of Gentleman Christmas Special, and The Story of Silent Night.

Shockingly shallow. The Christmas of 2008 will be remembered as the year we watched over 30 Christmas movies or specials. There is great joy in me about that fact.

Comments

[Mich]

Sounds like fun to me!

[aola]

It has long been our tradtion that during the Christmas holiday break we rent as many as we can carry home and watch
movies until our eyeballs fall out :)

[Anj]

Mich - yes, it is fun.

Aola - It is a great tradition, I must say. I'll let you know when or if our eyeballs fall out!