Last night I was watching "It's a Wonderful Life" on TV and began thinking about all those holiday movies and shows that reflected a simpler time. Back then, we gathered around the set, sitting on the floor, for specials like: " A Charlie Brown's Christmas", "An Andy Williams Christmas", "Babes in Toyland", and "A Christmas Carol" among others. Our lives take twists and turns. Sometimes our futures are directed by major, life changing events, but most of us seem molded by subtle, minute nuances of our youth. How did moms and dads know this would make all the difference. This becomes the recipe for who we are this morning. Take it or leave it; the die has been cast. Enjoy the buffet!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Picture This
Last night I was watching "It's a Wonderful Life" on TV and began thinking about all those holiday movies and shows that reflected a simpler time. Back then, we gathered around the set, sitting on the floor, for specials like: " A Charlie Brown's Christmas", "An Andy Williams Christmas", "Babes in Toyland", and "A Christmas Carol" among others. Our lives take twists and turns. Sometimes our futures are directed by major, life changing events, but most of us seem molded by subtle, minute nuances of our youth. How did moms and dads know this would make all the difference. This becomes the recipe for who we are this morning. Take it or leave it; the die has been cast. Enjoy the buffet!
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Birdman, I think those wonderful family gatherings of the kind you describe are gone forever. The times they are achangin' !!
ReplyDeleteYes, we did... and we didn't sit in front of the TV for hours on end like you can these days, the stations actually went off the air at night...
ReplyDeletei, too, have been fascinated by the shadows we cast on my last few walks. i think your past shaped you very well, in shadow and in the flesh.
ReplyDeleteI like your shadow and I like the 'recipe' your parents offered.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm showing my age --but I love all of the old Christmas movies MUCH better than the new ones!!!! ha
ReplyDeleteBetsy
an interesting post to muse on today. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think most younger people these days could watch the same movies over and over every year. They need something new and exciting! Charlie Brown was always one of my favorites though. He made that sad tree sparkle!
ReplyDeleteI love watching the Christmas movies in the build up to Christmas Eve, but they do make me long wistfully for a white Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing all of those shows! As I was growing up we had such a predictable holiday schedule of events that once I was on my own it seemed like the holidays would never be the same. However, it just changed not for the better or worse. Just different but still pleasant.
ReplyDeleteI have some wonderful memories of all those Christmas specials. Thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteThe recipe fed to me by my parents was quite different, but the buffet is delicious!
ReplyDeleteThat's one of my favourites. I also liked the Bells Of St Mary's and Going My Way. Bing gets me crying every time. Wonderful post today!
ReplyDeleteI don't think those Christmas movies become old or obsolete. We love them and every year new holiday movies arrive hoping to make the all time favorite list like It's a Wonderful Life.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that the simple things are my best memories.
ReplyDeleteMy early years were a smorgasbord of experiences, some of the most important of which took place outside of the home. In addition, we did not have television. We listened to the radio.
ReplyDeleteMost of my younger years were spent outside, playing games, doing gymnastics, riding bike, etc.
Maybe that's why I never stay in one place very long. Oh wait, I've been in Florida for 26 years! :-)
Funny, I wonder if we all have these thoughts after seeing these movies.
ReplyDeleteWhat a deep and accessible post!
ReplyDeletegood stuff B Man
Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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I can savor such memories. These days I don't remotely have time to watch television or movies.
ReplyDeleteYour photo is so dramatic it makes me think of a crime seen viewed on the next morning.
what a thoughtful post, i love imagining you all sitting on the floor gathered around the set...great photo too
ReplyDeleteMakes me wonder if I ever have children, they'll think of this time and age as "simple." :-)
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