14 | onstage&off
THE JOY OF A SEASON STORY BY
Vincent Pendarvis II
A
camera is a device we use to freeze a moment in time. It simply captures a memory so we can always go back and admire as if we’re still in the moment. Christmas is a time of year when families come together, not only for their religious or cultural beliefs, but also to be present with and cherish one another. All around the world, Christmas is celebrated in so many cultures and is constantly passing down traditions and creating new ones. And A Christmas Carol reminds us of the importance of traditions and the people with whom we celebrate them. The beauty of Christmas is not celebrated the same way in every household, not even between neighbors living on the same street. The variety of holiday traditions around the globe is astonishing and exciting. For example, in the Philippines during the Christmas holidays, there is a spectacular event, the Ligligan Parul. It’s a giant lantern festival of dazzling lanterns (or parols) symbolizing a star. The community and families come together to build the most elaborate lanterns. Or, if you need a little bit of an adrenaline rush during your Christmas traditions, check out roller-skating in the busy streets of Venezuela. Yes, roller-skating, as thousands of people skate to church mass during the days leading up to Christmas. I can only imagine how exciting that would be, roller-skating amongst thousands on my way to worship. Or maybe you want to hit the beach and grill out with sand between your toes for Christmas. On the beaches in Australia, it’s common to spend Christmas on the beach, due in part to the great December weather. And don’t be surprised if you happen to see “Father Christmas” (Santa Claus) wearing shorts and flip flops or maybe riding a surfboard, catching waves with a bag of presents. For me, growing up in rural South Carolina, the Christmas holidays were always a time of the year I anticipated. Considering I’m the only child, I was more excited because it meant I had the opportunity to be amongst family members.
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