And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown
I've been re-watching PARIENTES A LA FUERZA from the beginning. In Ep. 1 noticed Jurado home in San Miguel de Allende is red, white & green--colors of Mexican flag--also colors of traditional Christmas decorations. In recent episodes noticed colors "red, white & BLUE" close together, colors of "the stars and stripes", flag of USA (on wall of bedroom shared by Jurado women in Tenoch's home). In Ep. 3, Juancho calls gray Cruz mansion the American Dream, but true American dream is not to accumulate things (like Lety & Juancho) but freedom to become one's best self, help each other, make "More Perfect Union" by becoming real family together.
In Ep. 3 "Familia", George tells Paz: Necesidades son respirar. Necesidad es comer, es ir al bano, tambien dormir. Pero lo que estan haciendo, perdoname. Ustedes gastan mas dinero en un mes que una familia entero en un ano. "Breathing is a necessity. Necessities are eating, going to the bathroom, sleeping. But what you all are doing, excuse me. You spend more money in a month that an entire family does in a year."
Gift that shows a sacrifice is made out of love can make it more valuable and appreciated. Famous Christmas story GIFT OF THE MAGI by O.Henry is loved for this message. I also know of real-life examples which I may post about eventually on this blog
For his travel related work, My grandfather received stipend to cover hotel lodging. Connecting memories my mother told me, he opted to sleep on the beach in order to buy Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise get nothing. Their families lived in palm frond shacks without electricity or plumbing (an advantage being, if blown away by hurricane, it was easy to build another). Babies ran around without clothing as there were no diapers. With her own first paycheck, my mother bought first pair of shoes for a former playmate, who was so proud of these, he walked barefoot, waiting to put shoes on at school. She said famous painter wanted to do portrait of the boy dressed in clothes with patch upon patch, riding on skinny old horse to deliver bread.
I also re-watched CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, especially to be reminded of Linus saying what Christmas is really about. Maybe in a week or so, I will be able to start posting my comments on PALF, beginning with first episode. Wishing all safe & happy holidays.
