Christmas in the Mind’s Eye
By LMReviews on Dec 11, 2008 in Multicultural Events, Multicultural Writing
Christmas in Arizona is a culture all its own. In the metro-Phoenix area we make up for the lack of snow with lights reaching as far as the eyes can see. Fake snow abounds and electric bills skyrocket as homeowners attempt to be the brightest most original lit Christmas wonderland on the block. The Arizona Christmas light season lasts well into the New Year with participation from the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden and nearly half the homes on every block. Even entire cities, like Glendale with its Glendale Glitters, get in on the wonderment by offering events surrounding the numerous strands of lights.
Never a holiday goes by without a raging neighbor war or a Christmas light rebel taking on city hall because of the complaints filed due to the sheer wattage and noisy Christmas decorations used to tickle the ears as well as the eyes during the season. One year a Phoenix-local may national news for his light display. News stories abounded in wonder at the enormity of the display and the havoc it must create for the homeowner’s electric bill. Family-packed cars create traffic jams in neighborhoods valley-wide performing drive-bys as a form of cheap entertainment on a chilly December evening.
Without snow, it doesn’t really feel like Christmas until the entire city is peppered with Christmas decorations and lights. Luckily, the East Valley has a tradition of bring some snow down from Northern Arizona for the kids to play in. Their faces glaze over at the touch of the mysterious cold powdery stuff and they play all day until it melts. Parents stand-by with pride while their children get the chance to experience something they took for granted during their young lives.
I’ve be going to my fair share of holiday parties and one thing that I’ve noticed is the main attraction appears to be the food. There usually aren’t any holiday specific games or anything to make it special besides the Christmas decorations. Everyone plays some version of the White Elephant gift swap or Secret Santa, but that’s about it. When I was asked to help write a holiday-themed short story, I took that opportunity to incorporate multicultural foods and Christmas party games into the story. When researching that story I wish I had known about Celebrations.com, they have some very interesting Christmas party games to keep the eggnog flowing and the chestnuts burning.
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