I seem to always start my December movie review with how much I love Christmas. Well, I still love Christmas, it’s just Christmas of another kind. I’m sure this isn’t the first weird Christmas in my life, in fact as a newlywed I remember sending a wee Christmas tree fully decorated and enough Christmas cookies and candy to my new husband in Viet Nam to feed a regiment. I had family all around me, he didn’t, so it seemed the least I could do. That was a weird Christmas for me, for him but not for everyone.
This year just seems to be a little weird all around the world. So the big question seemed to be, tree or no tree? I decided this year, for sure, was a resounding, YES! It may seem like an unusual quandary but I live alone and with Covid, that means very few visitors. If I get the only vote in my household, it was most certainly uncontested. My precious son, had called to ask when I needed him to ‘bring Christmas down from my attic’, I responded with “the sooner the better”! I’ve been turning the Christmas lights on every morning and turning them off when I can’t hold my eyes open any longer. Christmas is alive and well and decking my home!!
I did notice something this year (more time to ponder may be one of the few good things), that made me stop and wonder if this might only apply to me. I think not. What I realized is when decorated, my tree is a true reflection of, well, Me. I’ve never been a “decorator” tree person, it’s too precious to me.
I don’t think less of you if all your ornaments and bows have to be turquoise, it’s just not for me. What I noticed is my four most important things in the world; God, Family, Country and Travel. Every single ornament on my tree is a reflection of who I am. My confirmation of this came when a dear friend showed up at my home this week excited to give me her present. It was a very unique, big heart-shaped ornament that was painted like an American flag! Absolutely gorgeous, so unique and, I already had one hanging on my tree just like it! I had never seen another one like it. Now my Tree has TWO!!
My Christmas Spirit doesn’t stop at my tree. My tree is best enjoyed while watching Christmas movies. As you know, I have more favorites than room in this column to mention but here are just a few that I try to watch yearly. Even though it’s not in 3D on a big screen, I absolutely love The Polar Express. There is absolutely not another movie like it! For more nostalgia, I’ll go back to the Bing Crosby era where everyone seemed to spend Christmas in Vermont. I still start singing “Sisters, Sisters” when Thanksgiving is done. It’s a Wonderful Life won’t ever grow old for most of us as well as Miracle on 34th Street. The Grinch must never be forgotten or underestimated and then the beautiful nativity story told by some insider animals with true spunk, The Star. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a wonderful movie added to my list last year, The Christmas Jar. This one is not to be missed.
Thank you, my movie friends, for letting me into your lives for yet another year. I wish for an amazing 2021 for you, my little world, and the big turning world as well. Remember, money is just a way to pay for life. Enjoy the small blessings as well as the large. I love Christmas because…
Christmas is the tether that once a year draws us back to our roots.
As always, you can share with me at carolyn@carolynhastings.com
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