Just finished watching “A Christmas Story.” A modern classic which was almost forgotten at movie theaters, but became a big hit years after on basic cable. It’s along the same lines as “The Wonder Years” with a grown up protagonist narrates childhood memories.
Even though the story takes place in the 1930s or 40s (not ever sure of which decade), the story is timeless and provokes shared memories.
Some memories that I specifically remember. After Raphie gets into the fight, he fears his father’s reaction to this. I can remember as a young child getting in trouble with my mother with her remarking “Wait ’til your father gets home.” I remember being very afraid of the pushment or yelling that I would get at a latter time. Most people who had a father in any type of parenting mode remembers feeling the same day. It’s funny now I remember the waiting period, but not the punishment.
Then there’s the reaction Christmas morning after Santa had visited. This is the absolute best childhood feeling. The anticipation and excitement during those times were rarely matched. Although I have no children of my own, I have a niece and nephew wwho are now stars of the show when it comes to opening presents. Christmas in my house is now truly about children.