Onstage & Off

THE JOY OF A SEASON

STORY BY Vincent Pendarvis II

Acamera 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.

The Christmas holidays always started with me going along with my mother for annual Christmas sale shopping. You know: The crowded malls, long lines, excited shoppers pushing and shoving, grabbing items we don’t need? Yes, that! As I’ve gotten older, I realized maybe she used me for my speed and ability to squeeze into tight spaces to grab what’s on the list.

Some things we’ll never forget. Christmas always meant I would eat well because I knew we would eat multiple times on this day. We would cook a small dinner just for our immediate family, then later we’d make our “rounds” visiting friends and family, ending the day at my aunt’s house. There, all my family members would be ready to have a great time (heavy football watching and kids everywhere showing off heir new toys and clothes). The highlight was the intense Bingo and card games. But my favorite Christmas memory was my dad walking around with his camera (later his tablet), capturing every moment. He didn’t care if you were in the middle of eating or removing your dentures, he was going to catch you, and you always had to be ready for an improv interview about your Christmas day.

We all have our own Christmas traditions, and they may look and sound different, but they have so much in common, especially family. These traditions don’t just bring us together but keep us together. Whether you’re Mr. Fezziwig with lavish parties, the Cratchits with “Silent Night,” Fred’s household with their devilishly hard verse recitals, or my dad, who gets excited about those awkward Christmas sweater photos or those candid photos of you biting into the Christmas turkey.... Cherish those traditions, because while they are a moment in time, they last a lifetime.