It's no secret to the many who love me that I spend my Christmas day at the movies. All day long. Well, not quite all day long. I usually spend the early morning cooking a meal for and then serving it to the underprivileged and homeless. Then, I slip into a rather quiet movie theatre with a few of my very good friends and we all watch the latest holiday releases. Together.
Between movies, we usually gather around a table at Lulu Carpenter's for yummy treats and coffee and we "digest" the film we've just seen. There's always a break between films (although there was that one year where we literally skipped from theatre to theatre and crammed SIX movies into the day) so that we're not overloading our brains and we can give ourselves a chance to actually remember the films we have seen. Plus the dogs always need a walk and to be fed so there's a break for that, too!
This year, of course, I'm in Salt Lake. I'm no longer in my beloved Santa Cruz. My usual film-loving peeps are not here, they're there. I can't really go there (as much as I would LOVE TO GO THERE) because of my job working for Sundance. Which, as we all know, is one of the primary reasons I'm here!
Fortunately, despite my fears to the contrary, there are lots of theatres that are open on Christmas Day here in Salt Lake as well as restaurants. I'm going to be hosting the Nakedjen Film Festival right here on Christmas Day. There will be another Nakedjen Film Festival also happening, simultaneously, in Berkeley, hosted by my very dear friend Dave Winer, for those of you that are THERE and want to attend. And I believe there will be one in Santa Cruz, as well. Look at that? We're going, well, somewhat national!
Today, while I was driving to meet NeverNakedBeth for some last minute holiday shopping (hers not mine!) I heard this piece on NPR. It so perfectly captured my own thoughts and spirit about movies on Christmas and the reasons why I do it that I felt I should share it with all of you.
Do not feel sorry for me and my friends who are sitting in front of those flickering lights sharing the experience of good films on Christmas Day. I can honestly say that some of my most happiest Christmases have been celebrated in just that way and it is a tradition I am never going to give up!
