I am one of the fortunate ones. I grew up during the last Age of Innocence.
Technology did not rule our lives. We did not spend our time bent over a device named for a fruit. We picked fruit from trees. I realize I could not be reaching those of you reading this without technology, but I still lament the invasiveness of it.
We had toys, games, and books. None of them robbed us of the joys of scraped knees, torn pants, bee stings, catching frogs, and exploring the woods. Sharing real experiences with real friends, not virtual ones.
In other words, living life.
We did not need an app to play ball or fish, we had bats and gloves and fishing poles (even if it was just a stick.)
We did watch television. All three channels, until the snowy screen of those UHF channels arrived. Harbingers of what loomed in the future.
TV time began at 6 pm with the news, followed by two or three of our favorite sitcoms. Breaking news meant something important or tragic happened, not a reading error at a beauty pagent.
As we grew older we earned the privilege of staying up for “Late Night” TV, the late show ending at midnight. Playing of the National Anthem, a few shots of Navy Blue Angels or Air Force Thunderbirds, then nothing until morning.
Technology has robbed us of the joy of anticipation. Be it a letter in the mail, an annual showing of a movie, or TV specials. It would seem nothing is special anymore.
We looked forward to the annual broadcast of our favorite shows. Not watching it over and over on demand.
For me, I remember three the best.
The Wizard of Oz
Charlie Brown’s Christmas
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Each of them made an impact on our lives.
The first time I saw the Wizard of Oz on a color TV. Magic. If there is anyone under the age of fifty reading this, they are probably trying to figure out why TV’s came in different colors.
Linus’s speech about the meaning of Christmas. Memorable. Too bad most have forgotten it. Every time I hear Vince Guaraldi’s Linus and Lucy theme, I see Linus walking across the stage, the single spotlight on him, and he explains with just a few words the true spirit of Christmas.
For me, the one that made the most lasting impact, even without me realizing it, was Yukon Cornelius from Rudolph.
He lived a simple life. All he needed, he carried with him. When he went shopping it was for “cornmeal and gun powder and ham hocks and guitar strings.”
He knew what mattered. Living for today, be loyal to friends, and forgive your enemies. He chased his dream daily.
Of the many nice songs to come out of this show, my favorite was when Clarice sings to Rudolph, “There’s always tomorrow for dreams to come true.”
Life has a way of demonstrating that such sentiment, while touching, is false.
As many of us know, and some of my family are reminded of every December 22nd, tomorrow is promised to no one.
So, adopt the philosophy of Yukon Cornelius. If it does not fit on a sled, you do not really need it. If you have a dream, pursue it today.
Call a friend, see your family, get out and meet someone new. Do it today, spend your time wisely.
For while dreams may come true tomorrow, perhaps a call, or a letter, or (I hate to admit) even an email or a text could bring a smile to someone today.
Do not wait for a dream to come true while you have the gift of time right now.
Merry Christmas, HO HO HO, Happy Holidays, and all that stuff.