Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Rudolph, Santa & Me


For as long as I can remember, I have watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer each December. I know all the words to all the songs and sing along. The words are so hopeful and happy:

There's always tomorrow for dreams to come true, believe in your dreams come what may. There's always tomorrow and so much to do and so little time in a day. We all pretend the rainbow has an end and you'll be there my friend one day. . .

Or another favorite:

Have a holly, jolly Christmas! It's the best time of the year. I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup of cheer. . .

Growing up, it seemed Mom, Karen and I always put up the Christmas tree on the night Rudolph aired. It wasn't planned, it just seemed to work out that way. Back then, Mom put icicles on the tree and I can still hear her saying, "Girls, one at a time - don't glob them on!" I'm a little sad that most of today's kids don't know what Christmas tree icicles are.

Not only do I have a DVD copy of Rudolph, I also own another Christmas claymation classic, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town narrated by Fred Astaire with voices by Mickey Rooney and Keenan Wynn. This little gem is surprising in that it blatantly references the true meaning of Christmas. I know all the songs in this production as well. The lyrics to my favorite song have a strikingly evangelical tone.

Let me set the stage: The Winter Warlock's icy heart has melted due to the kindness showed him by Kris Kringle. He says he feels his heart changing from bad to good, but is fearful it won't last because "I really am a mean and despicable creature at heart." Kris reassures his new friend in song:

Just put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be walking cross the floor.
Just put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be walking out the door.
If you want to change your direction, if your time of life is at hand.
Well don't be the rule be the exception, a good way to start is to stand

The Winter Warlock then sings:

If I want to change the reflection I see in the mirror each morn,
you mean it's just my election to vote for a chance to be reborn?

I look forward to watching these two shows every year!

3 comments:

Nakiru said...

haha. how i miss you and your christmas craze. love you so much. i put up christmas lights two days ago and my apartment is now all soft and fuzzy. :-)

Anonymous said...

Omiword! Alisa, this is why we are soul friends. I just posted a blog entry about Rudolph unbeknownst that you had written one yesterday. AND, we always put up our Christmas tree during Rudolph too!!...How spookingly wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I didn't know you had a blog! So behind the times. I LOVE Santa Claus is Coming to Town! One of my favorites. I think you and Rosie were separated at birth!