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A Christmas Tradition


The more things change the more they stay the same.

Among all the things that are ever changing, I have one childhood tradition that remains.

Upon this one Christmas Tradition, I have discovered a dependable enjoyment.
Each year I watch Gillian Armstrong's(1994)film adaptation of Louise May Alcott's 'Little Women'.
My Christmas would be incomplete without it.

Christmas 2014 watching with Faith
To be completely honest, every time I watch this film, there is a part of me, a small part
That secretly hopes and I can even venture to say believe to be a possibility.
That Jo had made a different choice.
That Beth did not fall ill.

The trouble is, each time I watch, the ending is the same.
And I am left in tears.

But here's the thing.

Every year this story becomes something more to me
A new revelation
A fresh sense of identification to a characters situation or personality.

Missed, gone unheard or not comprehended in the dialogue
I now understand.

Although it has not changed
I have changed.
I am no longer who I was a year ago.

A scene in the film between Jo and her mother finds her confessing a restlessness she wages war with.
In a time of  wanting things to remain as they have always been but discovering they can longer do so.
Change has come and it is out of her control.
The people and roles she has depended upon are shifting and taking on new shape.
Finding herself, those around her and the circumstances changed, this scene takes place.

Jo March: Well, of course Aunt March prefers Amy over me. Why shouldn't she? I'm ugly and awkward and I always say the wrong things. I fly around throwing away perfectly good marriage proposals. I love our home, but I'm just so fitful and I can't stand being here! I'm sorry, I'm sorry Marmee. There's just something really wrong with me. I want to change, but I - I can't. And I just know I'll never fit in anywhere.
Marmee March: Oh, Jo. Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? You're ready to go out and - and find a good use for your talent. Tho' I don't know what I shall do without my Jo. Go, and embrace your liberty. And see what wonderful things come of it.
                                                                                                          (1994 'Little Women' )

Marmee, with calm clarity and wisdom delivers such a power and empowering response. I love how she sees her daughter in the truest light.
Despite it all, Marmee helps her see the truth and helps her take the next step forward.

With the exception of throwing away good marriage proposals,  in the more recent past I have identified with Jo in this confession.

The struggle against comparing yourself with those closest to you and finding you fall short to met what you hoped you could become. 
The desire for something more but the comfort of familiarity all too appealing. 
The pain at seeing people change around you and finding that you have been left behind. 
A restlessness and adventurous spirit that stirs within, but scares you.
Knowing you could be so much more, but not knowing how or what is needed to be done to do so.

This film is a great point of reflection for me each year. 
A way to look back and thank God for the gift of growth & maturity and those who have helped in that process.
His continued grace at work in our lives is something to celebrate this season. 

I love this story of 4 sisters. 
Living life in a difficult era.
All at differing stages of life. 
Discovering each one to be an individual not just a March sister.

What Christmas Film from your childhood grows with you? 
Gillian Armstrong's 'Little Women', 1994







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