131 Proustian Christmas??

Contemplating Christmas 2017

Dear Readers, I hope you had a happy Christmas.

Somehow December 25 arrived before I was ready for it – again this year! As a “type A” list maker, this should not be. This said I do find that a good book, a new free online computer game, holiday catalogs, and hot topics on the internet take up more of my time than they should. 

What I enjoy most not only at Christmas but all year are Proustian-type conversations with family and friends. Marcel Proust, a French novelist and essayist, devised a list of questions as a parlor game which he posited could give one real insight into people. My favorite magazine, Vanity Fair, interviews a notable person with some of Proust’s questions on the last page of each edition. 

These conversations (Proust questions), however, are what my Mother used to call “sophomoric conversations.” 

What she meant was let’s get on with what we SHOULD be doing and not sitting around “talking fool talk.” Sophomore does not just mean the second year of high school or college but also immature wisdom. Some of the high schoolers with whom I often substitute call it “conversating.” 

Anyway, since there are no relatives or friends here today, I made a list of some questions and challenge you to think about some of these – with a friend, a cousin, or just in your own head.

Here’s a list of some “sophomoric” conversation starters (or finishers).

• Complete this sentence: This Christmas I hoped . . . but . . . . 

• What person do you most admire? 

• Would Christmas be the same at your house if you did not decorate or put up a Christmas tree? 

• Suppose President Trump issued an executive order that December 25 would no longer be a holiday from work. What would you say to him?

• Of all the gifts you can purchase, what is the one gift that you would give to every child in the world?

• Would you rather have Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman be real? Explain.

• What is your favorite holiday song or hymn? Explain.

• What is your idea of perfect happiness?

• What did you wish you had done this holiday season that you did NOT get done?

• Why do we tell “white” lies?

• If someone asked you what your greatest accomplishment was, how would you answer?

• According to a Pew Research survey, 79% of shoppers did some or all their shopping online or by phone app. How did you shop? 

• Who are your heroes? In real life? In fiction?

• What is your life’s motto?

Thankfully, I have good friends with whom I have great conversations. With one of them, we still have questions for the members of the Nicene Council (or, more properly, the Council of Nicea) and what’s included or not included the Bible. 

With another, we often talk/argue/discuss politics. With family, it is often wonderful old stories or embarrassing tales. So, while you are doing the dishes, cleaning up the wrapping paper, or curled up in front of the fire, think about some of these questions. I hope they give you a little relaxation from the frantic side of the holiday.

And, by the way, it’s time to 

decide how you plan to watch 

the ball fall on New Year’s Eve!

Best wishes to all for a healthy, happy 2018. 

Glenne