One thing I appreciate about my gym is how they have several TVs playing at once. Honestly, this is great for me because it gives my eyes something to look at while I’m mentally zoning out as I pedal away on the stationary bicycle or walk on the treadmill. Sometimes I’ll snap back to reality, usually in time to solve the puzzle on Wheel of Fortune or some other game show and arrogantly think about how I should go on a gameshow because I’d absolutely storm the competition.
However, this time it wasn’t a gameshow that caught my attention; it was the TV playing The Year Without a Santa Claus. Now personally, I am more of a fan of the claymation Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, but seeing that we have now entered the onslaught of holiday media, it got me feeling extra pensive. Maybe it’s the grey and moody weather outside, but honestly who’s to say?
I started to think about the media I associate with this time of year, and some weren’t very Christmasy or even wintery. For example, at this time of year I often reminisce about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, since I’d basically start a new run every year on winter break, or a very specific episode of Arthur called “Muffy Goes Metropolitan” that just stuck with me because I watched it before going to the movie theatre to see “The Grinch.” This time, though, I was on theme for the holidays and found myself recalling a Mickey Mouse adaptation of The Gift of the Magi.
For those who are unfamiliar, The Gift of the Magi is a short story written by O. Henry back in the early 1900s, mainly known for its use of cosmic irony and the sentimentality of gift giving. Basically, the story follows a struggling couple – in my example Mickey and Minnie Mouse – who deeply love each other and want to show that through a gift for Christmas. Mickey wants to get Minnie a new gold chain for her pocket watch, which is her one prized possession, but is unable to get the money in time. So, in that moment, he decides to sell his prized possession, his harmonica, to afford the gift. Back at home, when Mickey gives Minnie the chain, it is revealed that Minnie did the same thing and sold her pocket watch so that Mickey could have a new case for his harmonica. In this moment, they both realize how far the other would go to show their love for each other, and that love is something truly invaluable.
This story has been rattling around in my brain well after that day at the gym and really has been resonating with me. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, dear reader, that times are hard right now for a lot of people. Personally, I wish I could give my family and friends everything they want to show them how much they mean to me, but financially that really isn’t possible. So this year I have found myself using my stash of yarn and other supplies to craft, bake or crochet most of my gifts, which felt so much less grandiose than what I would want to present.
Trust me, I get the feelings that this can bring up, but this story does remind me that gifts from the heart are what matter most because you took the time, the energy, and gave what you could. It also reminds me that I should check in with the people I’m giving the gifts to so that we don’t have another instance of cosmic irony, or worse…the dreaded Sweater Curse!
This also gave me a renewed appreciation for some of the programs that the library puts on. I’ll be honest, it becomes so easy to think that arts and crafts are just for kids, but over my tenure at JCLS I have strived to encourage people of all ages to play and learn new skills, whether it be starting sourdough starters or learning to crochet. In fact, there is going to be a collaboration with JCLS and a local yarn shop, The Websters, where you can learn to make cute little octopi! The best part is that it is usually a low stakes risk, as the library will buy the supplies needed. All you have to do is show up and do your best. If it turns out good, then awesome! If it turns out bad, oh well, no skin off your back.
Not into socializing and want to learn within the comfort of your own home? Great news there, too! Sometimes, we have take and make programs available for you to take home and, well, make. There are also so many great resources that you can check out to help you learn. From books to DVDs that are both available through our electronic sources and in print, you’ll find them around the 740s in the nonfiction sections, and you can always ask any passing staff member to point you in the right direction.
Ultimately, I am trying to remind myself that it is sometimes the thought that counts most, because in all the billions of people in the world, these are the ones that hold important space in your heart and mind. So, whether you’re crafting little tchotchkes, making cookies, writing someone you care about a poem or story, singing them a song, or giving them a new case for their cherished harmonica, give it with love and not embarrassment. Happy Holidays.