Christmas Stories

Over the years I have developed some strange holiday traditions. And, while I am nourished spiritually by the season of Advent, these traditions don’t actually have anything directly to do with God. Or, maybe they have everything to do with God?
The following list of holiday-adjacent content has caused me to cry into an undercooked turkey, but more important, it has provided a beautiful reflection on the human vulnerabilities that can be dredged up during the holidays.

Each year I find a quiet space, late in the evening with a drink or early in the morning as I place the turkey in the oven, to listen to the following stories. This year, I invite you to do the same. The stories can be traumatic, difficult to hear, but offer a great deal of humanity and perspective during the holiday.

1. Deer in the Footlights (11 minutes) – This is the story of Connie Rex and a kidnapped deer. First aired on  This American Life, the story follows an orphaned deer that ended up a crowd favorite in Connie’s town’s holiday nativity play. Connie, now an older women, recalls the events of her childhood and what could’ve been different. Link: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/482/lights-camera-christmas/act-two-0
2. RENT (2 hours, 20 minutes) – Rent is a famous, award-winning Broadway musical. The young, New York bohemians that drive this story face poverty, ostracization due to their sexuality, and the stigma of living with AIDS. The story takes place over 2 Christmas seasons and in the face of loss and hardship the characters find love and community. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo8CmwIKiDw
3. Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon (7 minutes) – During World War I, in the cold dangerous trenches of the Western Front, a battalion of exhausted English and Germany soldiers came together in “no man’s land” to cease fighting, share a nip of brandy, and play a soccer game. The story of humanity among so much physical and mental anguish highlights the desire for peace, especially during the holidays. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5on4WK1MpA

For some, the holidays are rough. The internal sadness felt doesn’t always mesh with the narrative of happiness displayed, literally everywhere, around us. The longing that people can feel is isolating.

If you decide to find your quiet place and listen to the stories offered here, I invite you to think of those in your life that might be seeking a friend or place to belong.

Disclaimer: some of the content may be offensive and not appropriate for all audiences.