Memorized any poems or stories lately? Until recently, memorization was common not only amongst school children, but also with adults. One-hundred-fifty years ago, Christmas celebrations would feature performances from the audience. It was expected. Everyone had some story, poem, or song to contribute to the evening's festivities. Gentlemen would recite tales of daring do; ladies performed on spinet and or sang well-known songs. Mary Shelly created her story of "Frankenstein" for her traveling party whilst waiting out a snow storm on Christmas Eve. Couples would delight with charming duets. Innocent games, fraught with innuendo and wit, encouraged party guests to join in the fun. Everybody was encouraged to participate.
What could you contribute to a Christmas evening's entertainment? Have you any poetry memorized or songs practiced? Could you spend the evening conversing with others on the season's experiences? Do you know any simple, yet fun parlor games? Can you even fathom such an evening?
To be honest I would be able to manage a couple of poems by Robert Frost, one or two short speeches from Shakespeare, or a variety of Christmas songs--preferably accompanied by someone who could play piano and/or drown me out when I went off key. Charades might be managed, or Password-type games. These would be nothing compared to our fore bearers. They would probably be bored to death with me, but too polite to say so. What would you do to enliven the event?
Maybe you could complete my Christmas story. It begins: Once upon a time, before TV, football, Game Boy and Wii, friends and family gathered together to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season. They spoke with each other face to face. Everyone had the present of themselves to offer...(you continue)...and they went into the New Year joyful and happy to know each other.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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