It’s that time of year when the chill in the frosty air brings us indoors to hunker down with thick comforters and mugs of steaming hot chocolate overflowing with fluffy marshmallows. When holiday music and movies become the soundtrack to our everyday home lives. When we gather ‘round the fire for company, drink, food and love. When we are celebrating and remembering those we treasure and hold near and dear. When the real meaning of the season is family – by our DNA or by our heart. When we reflect and give thanks for all we have. In a nutshell, unconditional love.
I’d like to welcome Deb Caletti to share the beauty of the season with us.
Favorite Holiday tradition?
Decorating the tree with my kids. They like to find the goofiest ornaments to give me (a GIANT acorn, a creepy Sasquatch-ish figure, a rubber doll whose gender is undetermined), and they also like to hang all the ones I hate (usually some misguided craft I tried long ago) way up high, where I can’t reach them. We have the best time, but, no, this isn’t the kind of tree you’d see in a department store.
Favorite childhood toy?
My bug catcher. Also, my bike with the banana seat and handlebar streamers.
Favorite childhood game?
Operation. I still kind of like it.
Snowball fight or making snow families?
Snowball fight!!!
Sleigh rides, sledding or skiing?
Sledding.
Favorite Holiday song?
“Mele Kalikimaka,” for its retro-ridiculousness. We know all the words.
Favorite holiday movie?
Remember that cartoon with the elves and the land of the forgotten toys and that hairy snow monster? That one. (See: retro ridiculousness, above.)
Favorite holiday story to read?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe! I love that one! I was such an idiot, though — I didn’t understand it had religious undertones until I was an adult. I loved it so much, that I would read it to my kids every year at Christmastime, until they practically begged me to stop. Whenever people ask me to name my favorite book of all time, that’s the one!
Article comments
1 - Costello
My children talked me into writing a memoir. Going to be out in Spring. Will you be running this feature for Easter or another upcoming holiday and how much does it cost to take part?