A Christmas Story

Ep. 017 is live!

What can be said about A Christmas Story that hasn't already been said? I feel that the strongest point we touched upon in this week's episode was how this classic wastes nothing; every scene, every piece of dialogue, and every moment is integral to the narrative, making this a film with zero fat. If anything, this speaks to the abilities of Jean Shepherd, and the works that inspired this film. I've enjoyed A Christmas Story with my friends as we grew up, and into adulthood. My father & I certainly enjoyed numerous viewings as well, usually while partaking in a few Winter Lagers together. In my youth, I naturally saw myself in Ralphie, and I saw my dad in The Old Man. Adulthood, however, has me seeing myself in the Old Man's actions...all the while I'm beginning to see a bit of Ralphie in Henry. The movie is truly a treasure, an evergreen story of wanting that "one thing" for Christmas. As the years go by, I truly cannot wait to introduce Henry to this classic.

The Christmas Season has been difficult for me over the years for a number of reasons. Losing my dad on Festivus five years ago certainly didn't help matters. As the years have gone by, my heart has softened considerably. Granted, a good measure of that stems from watching Henry's joy over the magic of Christmas. The credit for all of that has to go to Shawna. When she met me, I had nearly zero love for Christmas in my heart. To be perfectly honest, I was filled with a great deal of anger and hurt at the time. I was lost. Year after year, she has made me better and better. Watching her with Henry, the little boy who wasn't "supposed" to exist, has been the greatest gift I could ever receive.

Still, getting an Eternia is a pretty close second.

Please enjoy a little look at our Christmas Story. From all of us at Yesterdaze, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and remember...Festivus isn't over until somebody is pinned! We'll see you for season 2!