More Than Just ‘You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!’ Lessons Families Can Learn From ‘A Christmas Story’ In 1983, one movie introduced Red Ryder BB guns, fishnet-clad leg lamps, and bright red bars of soap into America’s everlasting Christmas mythos. Now, over 35 years later, “A Christmas Story” continues to delight audiences every holiday season with timeless lessons for viewers of all ages. In a story where kids are clever and kind, and parents are bumbling and wise, “A Christmas Story” has more lessons to offer families than just, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Your kids are listening to you (oh, fudge!). They aren’t always obedient, but that doesn't mean they’re not listening. After Ralphie lets slip the “queen mother of dirty words” in front of his father, the narrator reminisces about first hearing that word from his old man — possibly when he was trying to get their furnace to work. He doesn’t admit this to his mother, but it’s a lesson for parents everywhere that kids may hear more than they let on.
DON’T LET ‘JUST ONE DRINK’ TURN INTO A NIGHTMARE
Staying Safe During the Holiday Season
With the holiday season comes celebration. Everyone loves to get in the spirit of the season and revel in good tidings. However, it’s not uncommon for these celebrations to serve alcoholic beverages. More alcohol is consumed between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than any other time of year. Because of this, the roads are more dangerous because many people are driving under the influence. Part of the reason for the increased risk is the fact that more people drink socially during the holiday season. More people have a glass of wine (or two or more) during dinner or throughout the evening. People consume more alcoholic beverages while watching football or as they gather with friends and family. Plus, more people drink during this time of year to cope with added stress. If you choose to drink, you should never get behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, if you need to drive, you should always give yourself enough time between your last drink to completely sober up before heading out. While the time you need to sober up can vary from person to person, give yourself about one hour after your last drink just in case. But if you aren’t sure you’re fully sober, don’t risk it, and instead look for an alternative means of transportation or a designated driver. • It’s always okay to say “no” to a drink. Never feel pressured to have an alcoholic beverage. Those who pressure others to drink are irresponsible and inconsiderate. • If hosting a gathering, always have plenty of nonalcoholic beverages on hand. • If you do drink, drink responsibly. Decide in advance how many drinks you’ll have and stick with your plan. • Always have a designated driver you can rely on, either with you at the gathering, or a quick call or text away. You can also keep the number of a taxi service in your contacts or have the Uber or Lyft apps installed on your phone. • Finally, never let drinking become the main focus of the holidays. It should be about spending time with friends and family! Here are more tips to keep in mind as you enjoy the holidays this year:
Kids won’t believe in magic forever. Magical stories about Santa or even “Little Orphan Annie’s” Secret Society fill children’s hearts with wonder but won’t enchant them forever. Belief in certain parts of the Christmas season can fade slowly or die as quickly as the spin of a decoder pin, but parents can always be there to remind children about what’s really important during the Christmas season.
Sometimes ‘disasters’ lead to new adventures. Christmas Day can be hectic, and, in the hubbub of it all, sometimes disaster can feel inevitable. Ralphie’s parents certainly experience their fair share of disaster in hilarious fashion when the Bumpus Hounds destroy their holiday turkey and leave nothing but the heavenly aroma. But, when Ralphie’s father takes them out to eat at a local Chinese restaurant, it creates a whole new Christmas tradition for the Parker family. Our holiday mishaps, no matter how tragic, are rarely the end of the world.
Consider one final tip: Do not stick your tongue to any flagpoles this winter! Happy holidays!
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