A Christmas Story
26Darren McGavin could have been playing my Dad. Their living room generally reflects what Christmas looked like in our house growing up. Real lead tinsel on a live tree (none of that floaty mylar crap). The big C7 lights (twinkle lights were not common yet). The fun getting the tree level and vertical. Candies on the coffee table.
Dad saving us from silly pink bunny equivalent presents from well meaning relatives… Dad getting exasperated but hiding it behind a pained expression like a headache… Dad pretending to love his gifts (a can of Simoniz!)… though we did get him some awesome gifts that he really did love through the years. Dad getting us our equivalent to that one special gift that still shines after all these years…
Dad is gone but every time I watch this movie (mainly the last 30 minutes) its like watching a movie of him around Christmas. Especially the love and trust and sheer ‘what a guy!’ aspects.
Hi Dad. Merry Christmas. Miss you.
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That moment when you realize the dad was paying attention all along gets to me every single time. (And I’ve probably watched ACS at least 100 times.)
We all watched it as we opened presents, & its always gonna be a favorite. Lost both my parents years ago, but still have my sweet MIL - whom I sincerely do love dearly - & is one of those older relatives whom always means well ( I am 62, she is 82). So thinking about how much I love Halloween, she waited with a huge expectant smile as I unwrapped my present from her. They were 2 supposed stuffed polar bears - but were half price Halloween left-overs from Cracker Barrel, hence why I got 2 of them. They come complete with black & white skull neckties, & when you press their feet they talk … cute, until their eyes light up red & they proclaim themselves to be evil. Reminded me of an old comedy bit about Teddy Ruxpin waking up in the middle of the night & saying, “You must kill mommy & daddy.” But like I said, I do love my MIL - & I am ever so thankful that I still have her - so I just hugged & kissed her, & told her how adorable they are … that was the important part, that she tried to do something special for me.