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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. 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!
RAVENS AND CROWS
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM CORVIDS smaller treat, they will wait to trade the same token for a better treat. Corvids use tools and plan for the
What do ravens and New Year’s resolutions have to do with each other? The answer may surprise you! Many of us will make a resolution in the coming weeks. It will be challenging! Our self- control will be tested. Here is where the ravens come in! Corvids are known as masters of self-control! Ravens and crows are members of this family of birds capable of abstract thinking. These are the only other group of animals besides humans capable of planning for an uncertain future. In experiments, they are capable of bartering tokens for treats better than 4-year-old children. This is because ravens exhibit delayed gratification. When given the choice of trading a token for an immediate, but
future use of these tools. It was previously believed that only humans could think this way. Maybe if I watch them enough this year, their self- control will rub off on me and I’ll keep that resolution for once! These birds are all around us and are often seen as a nuisance. They are very territorial, leading to fights between birds. Young birds will often form flocks while adults will travel in mated pairs. Despite their loud, obnoxious fights, they are very dedicated to their families and can be fun to watch. I will never forget the crow I saw vigorously defending a twinkie it found on my college campus. Crows and ravens often live in populated areas and have few natural predators. Ravens can live up to 23 years in the wild, but have an average lifespan of 8–10 years. They are opportunistic omnivores — adapting their diets to where they live and what is available. Human food waste is a great source of food. Fledglings consuming human food waste have a higher survival rate than those with different diets. Next time you see a crow or raven, I hope you will remember all of their wonderful traits. In this case, “bird-brained” might be a compliment! So, block out their obnoxious caws, sit back, and watch these amazing creatures!
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