Like many of you, I’m sure you have your favorite Christmas shows/movies you watch as a family. The other night our family had a discussion on what made a movie a Christmas movie or not. My thoughts… Christmas movies have a Christmas theme for the entire movie. Anyway… there was a agree to disagree moment…

My top three shows are A Charlie Brown’s Christmas, Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story. Why these three? I am not sure, but I do find myself drawn to these three for different reasons. One thing is for sure, we all have a way of resonating with a show or movie for some reason or another. Most of the time, it is because there is a “tug of the heart,” or the show is just plain funny.

For me, Christmas Vacation does both. Also, it is great for the “relatableness” of life during the Christmas season. And… it has some of the best quotes that can last all year long. So this past Thanksgiving week, we do what we always do… watch Christmas Vacation.

A few thoughts on the “relatableness”…
The neighbors (Are they not going to decorate?)
The family relatives coming to stay (Where is everyone going to sleep?)
The family relatives we are not sure about (Does everyone have a Cousin Eddie?)
The Christmas meal (What’s wrong with turkey left in the oven too long?)
Outside decorations (Making sure all the lights work – did we check all the bulbs?)

And here is a quick list of my favorites quotes…
“I hope nobody I know drives by and sees me standing in the yard staring at the house in my pajamas.” — Audrey

“You better take a rain check on that, Art—he’s got a lip fungus they ain’t identified yet.” — Cousin Eddie

“Oh, he’s just yakkin’ on a bone.” — Cousin Eddie

“Whoa, geez! Look at the time. I gotta get to bed—and brush my teeth, feed the hog, do the laundry, wash the car, still got some homework to do.” — Rusty Griswold

“The BLESSSSSING.” — Uncle Lewis

“If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised.” — Clark

“Is your house on fire, Clark?” – Aunt Bethany

“You serious, Clark?” — Cousin Eddie

“Clark, that’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.” — Cousin Eddie

“It’s people that make the difference – little people like you.” — Frank Shirley

“If it isn’t too much I’d like to get somethin’ for you Clark, somethin’… real nice.” – Cousin Eddie

“Oh, no, that there is an RV.” – Cousin Eddie

“Catherine, if this turkey tastes half as good as it looks, we’re all in for a real treat!” – Clark

Yes, there is leadership in the movie as well…
We see awful leadership in Clark’s boss, Mr. Shirley.
We see Clark wanting what is best and having great intentions.
We also see Clark having expectations that sometimes cannot be met.
However, in the end, Clark’s heart is in the right place.

Tis the season to be jolly? Yes, for it is Christmas. Friends and family or, as Clark said, “The most enduring traditions of the season are best enjoyed in the warm embrace of kith and kin.”

I am very fortunate to say that I love getting together with our families during the holidays. The fun we have should be bottled up and sold. We remember and make memorable moments, and our aggravation is at its finest. The older I get, the more I cherish getting together with our family. For me, that makes all the difference.

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2020 J Clay Norton

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