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Editor’s Note
Remembering a quirky Christmas past
BY AMY WENK
The holidays never fail to evoke memories. Whether through classic symbols such as menorahs or nativity scenes, or more modern ones like holiday lights or songs, we all experience stirrings of emotion deep within us.
For me, it’s the iconic movie “A Christmas Story.” The quirkiness of the main character, Ralphie, and his steadfast hope to have a particular dream come true, are things we can all relate to.
You see, I once had a quirky dream. Three years ago, I hopped on a plane to Los Angeles with one goal in mind – to be on a game show.
Probably not everyone’s hope, but it was mine.
In 2018, I snagged a ticket to the filming of “Let’s Make a Deal.” And better yet, it was a slot on their Christmas show. “Let’s Make a Deal” debuted in the ’60s and was rebooted in 2009. It’s where the studio audience dresses up in costume and hopes to get picked to make deals with the host.
For our holiday game show, I convinced my friend to dress up in “A Christmas Story” theme. He was Ralphie dressed in a pink bunny suit. And I was the infamous leg lamp. Yep, I crafted a lampshade to fit on my head. It even lit up.
The day of filming, my enthusiasm was at 200% as we went through a round of interviews.
We didn’t know who would be picked. As you file into the studio, they tell you where to sit. We got placed to the far right, and as I sat down, I thought I saw the cameraman turn to focus on me.
The show started and the first deals came and went. I was getting nervous.
But soon after, they called our names! My friend and I ran down the aisle, my lampshade blinking and my arms waving a sign that said “Fragile: Please place on Let’s Make a Deal.”
The host, comedian Wayne Brady, offered us a big box, a door and a small box. My friend took the small box and won a computer. I took the big box and won an entire kitchen set, valued at $6,000. I’ve never been so excited in my life.
But the best was yet to come. As the show progressed, it was clear – I was the big winner of the show. That meant I could forfeit my prize and go after the Big Deal of the Day. When that time came, of course I said yes!
There I was at the end of the show, center stage, presented with three doors. Behind one was a prize valued at over $20,000. I picked Door No. 2. It wasn’t the big prize, but I won over $3,000 worth of camping gear. The best prize, though, was the experience. So don’t be afraid to dream your weird dreams. You can make it on stage. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get on national television with a lampshade on your head. As the year draws to a close, all of us at Reporter Newspapers wish you a very happy holiday and a prosperous new year!
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