A Christmas Story
What makes some Christmas stories stand the test of time while others fade and fizzle? You know the kind: when told year after year, they melt our hearts with a sizzle.
My husband, with his childlike sense of holiday wonder, wrote wired his own Christmas story this year. He was influenced by this:
Yes, these are the prep items assembled for our trek to Tiny Town’s* first-ever Light Parade: a bowl filled with candy to throw to the children, Grinch hats, gloves, and face bandanas for the cold drive to town.
I should explain that hubby is fascinated by all things electronic and lit-up. He’s also played Santa to children in impoverished Phoenix neighborhoods before. So when he read about the parade in the local paper, he was “in.”
This year, donning a hat much different than Santa’s, he hopped into his side-by-side, draped as it was in festive lights, with blaring speakers to boot.
Before the big event, we posed hubby’s handiwork in front of the snow-covered mountains that make up our view:
And then we set off – along the railroad tracks into the backside of Tiny Town – to meet Neighbor Mark and Roxanne who, unlike us, played by the rules with their Disney-themed Ranger.
Mark and Roxanne, Santa-hatted, beside their Mickey Mobile.
The street lined with little ones came to life, numbed fingers grasping at candy. Hubby, oh-so-handy, weaved side to side handing out sweets. Behind us beeped and bopped the fire truck, sirens singing and Christmas songs ringing.
I have a feeling we won’t simply re-tell this story each year. We’ll re-live it by participating again and again.
And the Grinch, it turns out, was the perfect ambassador because remember:
“… in Whoville they say – that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of*ten Grinches, plus two!”
For Readers, Writers, Everyone: What are your favorite Christmas stories? Why do they resonate with you? Have you begun any new holiday traditions over the years?
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
*Not the actual name, of course, of our small town. It just seemed to fit with this Seuss-esque post, don’t you think?
December 22nd, 2013 at 6:49 pm
yes our new one will be not to have Christmas like Scrooge
Just kidding but watched a Christmas Carol today. I think that was the name.
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December 23rd, 2013 at 4:04 am
I think this is my favorite blog post in a long time. I love traditions (my favorites involve long standing ones with our kids at the holidays) and this one is wonderful AND the photos are amazing. But that pic of you and hubby is the topper…totally made my day! Just wish I could’ve come along in person; what a fun night! Merry Christmas & happy new year!!
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Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:
December 29th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
I LOVE your family’s traditions (and expect some blogs about it soon)!
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December 23rd, 2013 at 7:19 am
I’m with Julia — all of the photographs are great, but the photo of you and your husband is Fantastic!
Great post, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:
December 29th, 2013 at 8:31 pm
Yes – this is hubby’s first blog reveal!
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December 23rd, 2013 at 8:09 am
Christmas traditions (especially new ones) are wonderful. A couple of years ago we started doing a Christmas Eve hike with Lola and it’s added one more thing I love looking forward to in the holiday season, especially because there are no crowds involved! Your new tradition looks delightful. Holiday lights are so festive and a lighted parade… fabulous!
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Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:
December 29th, 2013 at 8:32 pm
I absolutely adore the idea of a Christmas Eve hike (especially the ‘no crowds’ part). Hope it was a great time for you, hubby and Lola this year.
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December 23rd, 2013 at 8:45 am
You and your hubby are the cutest things I’ve seen so far this Christmas! What a great idea!
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December 23rd, 2013 at 6:22 pm
What a wonderful way to celebrate, Melissa!!! I love it. You two look adorable in your fun silly hats – absolutely perfect choice. I’ve always loved the Grinch, and the cartoon is one of my favorites to look forward to each year.
Have a blessed Christmas. Wishing you all the best.
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Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:
December 29th, 2013 at 8:33 pm
Thanks, Cynthia. I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday — and that you got to enjoy your Grinch cartoon (we, OF COURSE, own it on DVD and had to watch it in preparation for the parade).
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December 23rd, 2013 at 10:07 pm
It has made my day to see Steve! How cool that you rigged up the car like that. You guys are fun. Seriously!
Merry Christmas to you two!
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Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:
December 29th, 2013 at 8:34 pm
I have to give hubby credit for participation in the parade (and for rigging up ALL the lights himself). Yes – this is his first debut on the blog — after three years. How crazy is that?
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December 24th, 2013 at 6:02 pm
The Grinch, the lights (there can never be too many lights and they can never be too gaudy, IMHO) then add in you two as grinch minions — Total Awesomeness! Merry Christmas!
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Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:
December 29th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
Thanks, Linda, for your enthusiasm of our Grinchy Christmas. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and I wish you the best in 2014.
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December 25th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Little did I know, your wonderful emailed pic was only the beginning!! Can’t wait to share this with my little ones–I’m so impressed! And so tickled!!
Here’s to 2014, my friend!
E.
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December 30th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
This is adorable! It looks like you had so much fun. 🙂 The Grinch is one of my favorite Christmas stories too!
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January 3rd, 2014 at 1:06 pm
I think MY heart just grew three sizes just reading this! I love the pictures of you donning your hats and getting to see the cars lit up. What an amazing treat that must’ve been for everyone involved.
Hope you had a very Merry Christmas, Melissa! And that 2014 is full of wonder for you.
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