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A FIR tree!

Ok – so this news is so last week. But I’m a busy woman and I’m just getting around to ranting about it now.

So some folks in Belmont, MA whined until the PTA cancelled the school field trip to the “Nutcracker” due to its ‘questionable content. ’ Specifically – a Christmas tree. The field trip is back on now, but one of the PTA members is thinking of stepping down over the controversy.

I am reminded at this moment of a scene from the old sit-com “Cheers” when Frazier was describing how Lilith won’t let him teach their child anything about Christmas.“Look out everyone – A FIR TREE.”

Let’s move past the part where Christmas Trees are Pagan not Christian.

Let’s move past the fact that the only reason there is a Christmas tree on stage at all is as a plot device so Clara’s Uncle can give her an enchanted present. It could have just as easily been her birthday.

Let’s move past the enchanted toys, the sword-fighting mice, the fairies and the dancing snowflakes.

Let’s move on to here: If you don’t want your child to go on the field trip – don’t send them. It is your prerogative and even your right as a parent to deny your child this opportunity. Go for it. All I want to know is: Why are you trying to ruin the good time of everyone else involved? Who do you think you are?

My school didn’t have a field trip to the ballet back in the day. Instead, my mother scrimped and saved for weeks so she could take me to “Nutcracker” just after I turned 6. That moment at the end of act one – when the Christmas Tree magically grows so you can’t even see the top was one of the most incredible things I had seen in my young life. I was transfixed. I still remember how amazed and baffled I was that such a thing was possible. That moment solidified a love for the theater I still enjoy. I took Myri to "Nutcracker" when she was 5 or 6. And she too was transfixed. When the house lights came up at the end she looked at me and asked, “Isn’t there anymore?” The result is deep love for live stage performances. I don’t take her often enough.

I'm happy to inform you that your child is not going "catch" Christianity from the Nutcracker. But it may lead to expansion of imagination, a love of music, and appreciation of the arts.

That would be horrible.

#Nutcracker #Christmas #parenting #don't be broken #wait what?