For more information contact Karen Altree Piemme, Director of Outreach, 408.367.7291

By Steve MurrayBy Steve Murray

Conceived by Mark SetlockConceived by Mark Setlock Directed by Kirsten BrandtDirected by Kirsten Brandt

A Study Guide Presented by

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By Steve MurrayBy Steve Murray Conceived by Mark SetlockConceived by Mark Setlock

Directed by Kirsten BrandtDirected by Kirsten Brandt

The award-winning playwright Steve Murray has created a delightfully clever stage adaptation of the perennially popular holiday film, It’s a Won-derful Life. This one-man tour de force delivers a witty and moving story that is sure to capture your heart and captivate your spirit. There’s the family man George Bailey; evil and miserly Mr. Potter; Clarence, the dotty angel in waiting; devoted Mary, and Zuzu with her petals. But we can’t for-get the image of a man standing alone on a bridge

on Christmas Eve...the story of how he got there, and how he found his way back home. This Wonderful Life reminds us of the power of per-spective, friendship and family...the perfect holiday gifts.

SUPERBLY ADAPTED FROM THE MOST IRRESISTIBLE AND ENTERTAINING “WHAT IF ” STORY OF ALL TIME.

Kirsten Brandt is the Associate Artistic Director at San Jose Rep. Prior to joining the Rep, Brandt was the Artistic Director of Sledgehammer Theatre from 1999-2005 where she mounted 23 productions, includ-ing nine world premieres and five west coast premieres. During her tenure, she directed 15 productions including: A Dream Play, Macbeth, A Knife in the Heart, Richard III, Furious Blood, Sweet Charity (Backstage West Garland Award), she wrote and directed The Franken-stein Project and NU: Parts I & III. Her play Berzerkergang received a KPBS Patte Award for outstanding production in 2003. Other credits include: Hold Please, Christmas on Mars, Lobby Hero and The Intelli-gent Design of Jenny Chow (San Diego Critic’s Circle Award) for The Old Globe; A Christmas Carol 1941 for San Diego Rep; The Burning Deck for La Jolla Playhouse; Bird and the Waterfall in Vancouver BC; and The Laramie Project for Sierra Rep. Ms. Brandt has directed for UCSD’s MFA program, UCSC, The Fritz, Diversionary Theatre, Play-wrights Project, New Dramatists, NYU Tisch School of Drama and ASK Theatre Projects. She studied playwrighting at the University of Bir-mingham, England and directing at UC San Diego and has trained with the SITI Company. She is the recipient of the San Diego Critic’s Circle Award for “Creative Achievement” in 2003.

TTTABLEABLEABLE OFOFOF C C CONTENTSONTENTSONTENTS

SYNOPSIS & DIRECTION….2 ITS CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN….……………….3 HISTORY………………...4 FILM PREMIERE…………..5 CHRONOLOGY…………...6 CAST LIST & ARTISTS…….7 GUARDIAN ANGELS……...8 INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAYS.…………..9-10 HOLIDAY BLUES………..11 CHRISTMAS TRADITION…12 WHO IS ST. NICK?...........13 ‘TWAS THE NIGHT……...14 TRADITION IN SAN JOSE………………15 PRE-SHOW QUESTIONS…16 POST-SHOW QUESTIONS..17 FURTHER RESEARCH……..18

AAABOUTBOUTBOUT THETHETHE D D DIRECTORIRECTORIRECTOR

SSSYNOPSISYNOPSISYNOPSIS

With the exception of the artwork, all photos are screen-shots from the film, It’s a Wonderful Life.

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Christmas time means many different things to many different people. We associate the holiday season with giving, family and good cheer. So when did the ritual of watching the same Christmas movies each year get woven into tradition? Every holiday season Frank Capra’s classic It’s a Wonderful Life plays over and over again on network television, and each

year many Americans make it a prior-ity to re-live George Bailey’s personal journey in discovering the sweetness of what is important in life. Holiday television programs and movies could be compared to the tradition of sing-ing the same Christmas carols each year: there is a certain magic those traditional melodies bring to each holiday season, which is what Christ-mas is all about anyway. It’s the time of year when hearts grow bigger, we abandon selfish needs and wake up to that Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle, or that other thing you simply had to have that year. For others it may not be so much

about the material items, but rather a time for re-arranging life’s priorities. Whether you relate to the Grinch’s heart that is “two sizes too small,” Ebenezer

Scrooge or Ralphie from A Christmas Story, Christmas touches each and every one of us through its magic. With each year that passes we find new personal meanings for our Christmas tradition, which may be why It’s a Wonderful Life, and our other holiday favorites, never seem to get old.

George Bailey (James Stewart), Mary Bailey (Donna Reed) and their youngest child Zuzu (Karolyn Grimes).

IIITSTSTS C C CHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS T T TIMEIMEIME A A AGAINGAINGAIN.........

Ralphie from A Christmas Story.

“IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE, IT'S THE ONE NIGHT OF THE YEAR WHERE WE ALL ACT A LITTLE NICER, WE SMILE A LITTLE EAS-

IER, WE CHEER A LITTLE MORE...FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS OUT OF THE WHOLE YEAR WE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WE ALWAYS

HOPED WE WOULD BE. IT'S A MIRACLE, IT'S REALLY SORT OF A MIRACLE, BECAUSE IT HAPPENS EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE…”

---BBBILLILLILL M M MURRAYURRAYURRAY, , , SSSCROOGEDCROOGEDCROOGED

TTTRADITIONALRADITIONALRADITIONAL ANDANDAND CCCONTEMPORARYONTEMPORARYONTEMPORARY HHHOLIDAYOLIDAYOLIDAY F F FILMSILMSILMS

♦♦♦ It’s a Wonderful LifeIt’s a Wonderful LifeIt’s a Wonderful Life

♦♦♦ How the Grinch Stole How the Grinch Stole How the Grinch Stole ChristmasChristmasChristmas

♦♦♦ A Charlie Brown A Charlie Brown A Charlie Brown ChristmasChristmasChristmas

♦♦♦ Santa Claus is Santa Claus is Santa Claus is Comin’ to TownComin’ to TownComin’ to Town

♦♦♦ Rudolph the Red Rudolph the Red Rudolph the Red Nosed ReindeerNosed ReindeerNosed Reindeer

♦♦♦ Frosty the SnowmanFrosty the SnowmanFrosty the Snowman ♦♦♦ The Year Without a The Year Without a The Year Without a

Santa ClausSanta ClausSanta Claus ♦♦♦ PrancerPrancerPrancer

♦♦♦ The Little Drummer The Little Drummer The Little Drummer BoyBoyBoy

♦♦♦ The Nightmare The Nightmare The Nightmare Before Christmas Before Christmas Before Christmas

♦♦♦ A Christmas StoryA Christmas StoryA Christmas Story ♦♦♦ ScroogedScroogedScrooged

♦♦♦ Miracle on 34th Miracle on 34th Miracle on 34th StreetStreetStreet

♦♦♦ The Santa Clause The Santa Clause The Santa Clause (I, II & III)(I, II & III)(I, II & III)

♦♦♦ ElfElfElf ♦♦♦ A Christmas CarolA Christmas CarolA Christmas Carol

♦♦♦ Love, ActuallyLove, ActuallyLove, Actually ♦♦♦ Fred ClausFred ClausFred Claus

“R“R“REMEMBEREMEMBEREMEMBER, , , IFIFIF C C CHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS ISNISNISN'''TTT FOUNDFOUNDFOUND INININ YOURYOURYOUR HEARTHEARTHEART, , , YOUYOUYOU WONWONWON'''TTT FINDFINDFIND ITITIT UN-UN-UN-DERDERDER AAA TREETREETREE." ." ." ------ C C CHARLOTTEHARLOTTEHARLOTTE C C CARPENTERARPENTERARPENTER

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TTTHEHEHE H H HISTORYISTORYISTORY OFOFOF IIITTT’’’SSS AAA W W WONDERFULONDERFULONDERFUL L L LIFEIFEIFE

Perhaps one of the most recognizable holiday films, It’s a Wonderful Life has captivated audiences for generations. Voted the #1 Inspirational Film of All Time by the American Film Institute, It’s a Wonderful Life is a staple in American cinema. The story of how It’s a Wonderful Life came to be is, in and of itself, a Hollywood tale… In 1943, Philip Van Doren Stern, an author and Civil War historian, printed 200 copies of a short story and sent it to all of his friends as a Christmas card. The story was called “The Greatest Gift,” and Van Doren Stern had spent the year attempting to get it published to no avail. The story is about a bank clerk who is about to throw away his life, or his “greatest gift,” by committing suicide, when he is visited by a strange man who shows him what life would be like if he had never been born. One of the Christmas card copies found its way into the hands of Cary Grant’s agents who saw it as a vehicle for the star. RKO pur-chased the rights to the story for $10,000 and began crafting it for Grant. But RKO had trouble turning the story into an appro-priate film treatment - even with talented writers like Clifford Odets and Dalton Trumbo writ-ing versions. In 1945, director, writer, pro-ducer Frank Capra had just re-turned from World War II. His desire to pursue ar-tistic independence from the major studios led him to form Liberty Pictures. Capra was looking for an ideal property for his first film; “The Greatest Gift” was it. RKO was so happy to unload the property to Capra, who bought it for $10,000, that they threw in the failed screenplays for free. Capra brought the hus-band and wife writing team of Albert Hackett and

Frances Goodrich on board, and together they crafted what would be called It’s A Wonderful Life. For the lead, Capra had only one man in mind to play George Bailey: James Stewart. The Capra-Stewart relationship was solid prior to the war with You Can’t Take it With You and Mr. Smith Goes to Wash-ington already under their belts. Stewart had been away from the camera for a long time and was a bit nervous about his abilities. He was serving in WWII

as a pilot where he twice received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions in combat and was also awarded the Croix de Guerre. Stewart told re-porters, “I’d decided some time be-fore coming back to Hollywood that if I could, I’d make my first picture with Capra.” Capra would amass an amazing ar-ray of Hollywood talent: Lionel Bar-rymore as Mr. Potter, Thomas Mitchell as Uncle Billy, Henry Travers as Clarence, Samuel Hinds as Mr. Bailey, Beulah Bondi as Mrs. Bai-ley, and H.B. Warner as Mr. Gower. The question remained as to who would play Stewart’s love interest, Mary Hatch. Jean Arthur, Ginger Rogers and Oliva DeHaviland were all rumored to be considered. The

role went to a newcomer, Donna Reed. “It’s a Wonderful Life sums up my philosophy of filmmaking,” said Capra. “First, to exalt the worth of the individual. Second, to champion man – plead his causes, protest any degradation of his dignity, spirit or divinity. And third, to dramatize the viability of the individual – as in the theme of the film itself.”

Written by Kirsten Brandt

“W“W“WHATHATHAT ISISIS ITITIT YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT, M, M, MARYARYARY? W? W? WHATHATHAT DODODO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT? Y? Y? YOUOUOU WANTWANTWANT THETHETHE MOONMOONMOON? J? J? JUSTUSTUST SAYSAYSAY THETHETHE WORDWORDWORD ANDANDAND I’ I’ I’LLLLLL THROWTHROWTHROW AAA LASSOLASSOLASSO AROUNDAROUNDAROUND ITITIT ANDANDAND PULLPULLPULL ITITIT DOWNDOWNDOWN. H. H. HEYEYEY, , , THATTHATTHAT’’’SSS AAA PRETTYPRETTYPRETTY GOODGOODGOOD IDEAIDEAIDEA. I’. I’. I’LLLLLL GIVEGIVEGIVE

YOUYOUYOU THETHETHE MOONMOONMOON, M, M, MARYARYARY.”.”.” -George, It’s a Wonderful Life

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TTTHEHEHE P P PREMIEREREMIEREREMIERE OFOFOF IIITTT’’’SSS AAA W W WONDERFULONDERFULONDERFUL L L LIFEIFEIFE

The film opened on Janu-ary 7, 1947. Although it earned five Academy Award nominations, the film was overshadowed by The Best Years of Our Lives. Critics, who al-ready dubbed Capra’s

honest, inspirational and optimistic films as “Capra-Corn,” gave the movie mixed reviews. Unfortu-nately, the film was not a financial success and Capra ended up selling Liberty Films to Paramount. Television would give the film its second life. When copyright lapsed in 1974, due to a clerical error, the film entered the public domain and began to be aired throughout the holiday season on various networks. Colorized ver-sions and edited versions filled the airwaves. Capra said, “The film has a life of its own now and I can look at it like I had nothing to do with it. I’m like a parent whose kid grows up to be presi-dent. I’m proud, but the kid did the work.” Although Capra and Stewart both say this is their fa-vorite film, neither saw it as a Christmas movie. Holiday movies tend to skirt the heavier issues in fa-

vor of sentimentality. It’s a Wonderful Life shows Man honestly and earns every mo-ment of laughter and tears. Capra does not shy away from the in-ner turmoil of his characters - nothing is glossed over. George

Bailey feels those deep emo-tions that make us all hu-man – the joys and the heartaches. We can all relate to George. As Capra said about the story, “Everybody has been thru that thing where they’d practically rather die than live.” In order to achieve the emo-tional triumph of the individual, Capra forces his hero to face his deepest fears. This is why it endures

today, and why it is particularly relevant to the holiday season. But the film has spawned various spin offs – even an urban legend that Jim Henson got his beloved Sesame Street characters, Bert and Ernie, from Ernie the cab-driver and Bert the cop. Numer-ous books have been written about the film, and even the ac-tress playing little Zuzu, all grown up, put out Zuzu Bailey’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Cookbook. Several stage versions are per-formed throughout the country year after year.

Perhaps the American Film Institute’s criteria for “100 years… 100 Cheers” sums up why, 60 years after its release, people still love this movie: “Movies that inspire with characters of vision and conviction who face adversity and often make a personal sacri-fice for the greater good. Whether these movies end hap-pily or not, they are ultimately triumphant--both filling audi-ences with hope and empowering them with the spirit of human potential.”

Pictured are two scenes from the original motion picture, It’s a Wonderful Life. In the upper left corner is the original radio release. Also pictured are two of the many movie covers and posters for the film. George (Jimmy Stewart), Mary (Donna Reed)

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For many of you who have experienced how quickly the movie moves through time, the play is no different. It can be a little complicated to follow each time warp, as the plot moves through three decades. Each scene does unveil several clues to illustrate which specific time period is current, as long as you are familiar with such clues. Take note that the time of year and the month are disclosed by the event of the scene. Also, do not rely on any visible aging of characters to indicate time. In both the show and the film the years never seem to weather George Bailey. Frank Capra opted not to use make up to show evident aging and the same goes for the stage ver-sion. From the opening to the circle of events in the life of George Bailey, a chro-nology is provided to help guide the ever-so-quick movement through time.

CCCHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS E E EVEVEVE 1945 1945 1945 Bedford Falls, one hour prior to George on the bridge contemplating suicide. The scene consists of George’s family and the angels assigning Cla-

rence to George. WWWINTERINTERINTER 1919 1919 1919

Looking to the past, the scene takes place in George’s childhood when he rescued his kid brother, Harry.

MMMAYAYAY 1919 1919 1919 Later in 1919, we see George save his boss, Mr. Gower, by intercepting a

prescription that has been accidentally filled with poison pills. JJJUNEUNEUNE 1928 1928 1928

George is out of high school and ready to travel. He and Mary spend some time together at her graduation dance...

SSSEPTEMBEREPTEMBEREPTEMBER 1928 1928 1928 George is Scheduled to leave for collegeGeorge is Scheduled to leave for collegeGeorge is Scheduled to leave for college...

JJJUNEUNEUNE 1932 1932 1932 Now twenty-five or twenty-six, George welcomes Harry home to take over

the Building & Loan. OOOCTOBERCTOBERCTOBER 1932 1932 1932

George and Mary get married... JJJUNEUNEUNE 1934 1934 1934

George and Mr. Potter discuss employment and he and Mary help the Mar-tinis move. George learns that Mary is pregnant.

JJJUNEUNEUNE 1934 1934 1934———SSSEPTEMBEREPTEMBEREPTEMBER 1945 1945 1945 The years of children, mortgages and World War II.

CCCHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS E E EVEVEVE 1945 ( 1945 ( 1945 (REPRISEREPRISEREPRISE))) We return to George’s present day contemplation at the bridge. He is

roughly forty years old.

CCCHRONOLOGYHRONOLOGYHRONOLOGY OFOFOF T T THEHEHE P P PLAYLAYLAY ANDANDAND F F FILMILMILM

IIINVESTMENTNVESTMENTNVESTMENT B B BANKINGANKINGANKING

Bailey Brothers & Loan Association is George Bailey’s family business that keeps the

homeowners in Bedford Falls fi-nancially secure. The bank serves the people of the town with mort-gage loans and savings deposits. Building & Loan institutions are

usually mutual savings banks which means that the people be-

ing loaned money as well as those depositing have voting

rights to direct the bank’s finan-cial goals. The bank also has a

board of directors that contributes to the managerial objectives.

The early 20th Century was when Building & Loan Associations

became popular. They served to assist people with gaining home-ownership as well as simple sav-

ings and investment outlets. These institutions were able to

receive low-cost funding from the Federal Home Loan bank for the primary purpose of home mort-

gage lending. In the town of Bedford Falls,

however, one person was not in favor of lending to the financially unstable. Mr. Potter, the owner of the town bank, is on the board of

directors at Bailey Brothers Building & Loan. Like every other piece of property in the

town, Potter hopes to gain control of the Bailey family business, an

idea of which George is (rightfully) fearful.

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TTTHEHEHE C C CASTASTAST ANDANDAND A A ARTISTSRTISTSRTISTS B B BEHINDEHINDEHIND T T THEHEHE S S SHOWHOWHOW

AAABOUTBOUTBOUT THETHETHE A A ACTORCTORCTOR Dan Hiatt has appeared at San Jose Repertory

Theatre in The Triumph of Love, A Christmas Story,

The Immigrant, En-chanted April, Hannah

and Martin, Noises Off, A Flea in Her Ear, Cyrano, Sylvia, and Mirandolina.

Other credits include Happy End, Rosencrantz

and Guildenstern are Dead, Othello, and The

Matchmaker, at American Conservatory Theatre;

Dinner with Friends, and Menocchio at Berkeley Rep; Nicholas Nickleby, Arms and the Man, As

You Like It, Richard III, and more at California Shakespeare Theatre; Spinning into Butter at

TheatreWorks; and Life x 3, and The Real Thing at Marin Theatre Company. Regional theatre credits include performances at

Seattle Rep, Arizona Theatre Company, The

Huntington Theatre, Pasa-dena Playhouse, Ford’s Theatre, Studio Arena Theatre, Idaho Shake-

speare Festival; and Stage West in Toronto. Mr.

Hiatt dedicates this per-formance to the memory

of his father.

TTTHEHEHE C C CASTASTAST (all characters performed by Dan Hiatt)

DAN HIATT — THE NARRATOR OF THE SHOW, THE MARY HATCH — GEORGE’S HIGH SCHOOL SWEET-MAIN MAN WHO PORTRAYS EVERY PERSON IN THE STORY. HEART, ULTIMATELY HIS WIFE GEORGE BAILEY — THE OUTWARDLY UNLUCKY PETER BAILEY — GEORGE’S FATHER MAIN CHARACTER OF THE STORY. MAN ON THE PORCH — A GUY ON HIS PORCH “ALFALFA” — GEORGE’S CLASSMATE FRANKLIN — AN ANGEL UNCLE BILLY — GEORGE’S ALCOHOLIC UNCLE SHERIFF — THE SHERIFF JOSEPH — AN ANGEL POTTER — EVIL & GREEDY BUSINESS MOGUL CLARENCE — THE ANGEL ASSIGNED TO GEORGE MRS. BAILEY — GEORGE’S MOTHER SAM WAINWRIGHT — A CHILDHOOD FRIEND OF GEORGE MRS. HATCH — MARY’S MOTHER, GEORGE’S ERNIE — THE CABBIE MOTHER-IN-LAW GOWER — THE OWNER OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD STORE MRS. DAVIS — A WOMAN IN BEDFORD FALLS VIOLET BICK — GEORGE’S CLASSMATE MARTINI — THE LOCAL BAR OWNER ANNIE — THE MAID OF THE BAILEY FAMILY PETE — GEORGE’S SON RANDALL — A WISE GUY JANIE — GEORGE’S DAUGHTER NICK — THE BARTENDER TOMMY — GEORGE’S SON MR. WELSH — ZUZU’S TEACHER’S HUSBAND ZUZU — GEORGE’S DAUGHTER BERT — THE POLICE OFFICER CROWD — A CROWD OF TOWNSPEOPLE TREEOWNER — MAN WHO OWNS A TREE

And we surely mean it! This Wonderful Life is a show that includes an extensive cast of characters, but only one actor. Dan Hiatt plays every

part in the show—simultaneously—he even did the voice-over re-cordings in the show. It takes a lot to do a single impersonation accu-

rately. Imagine doing thirty, with consistency!

“T“T“THISHISHIS ONEONEONE---MANMANMAN TOURTOURTOUR DEDEDE FORCEFORCEFORCE…”…”…”

AAABOUTBOUTBOUT THETHETHE P P PLAY-LAY-LAY-WRIGHTWRIGHTWRIGHT Steve Murray An award-winning, nationally produced playwright, Steve Murray spends his time as a writer for the stage and as a TV and film critic for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His plays have been box-office record-breaking productions across the country. Shows like Hungry to Bed, Manna and Rescue & Re-covery have been especially successful.

TTTHEHEHE A A ARTISTRTISTRTIST B B BEHINDEHINDEHIND THETHETHE C C CONCEPTONCEPTONCEPT Mark Setlock The original production of This Wonderful Life at Port-land Center Stage in 2005 starred Mark Setlock, who was responsible for the collaborative work with the playwright, Steve Murray. Mark Setlock won the 2000 Outer Critics Circle Award and was nominated for best solo performance for Fully Committed, which he helped create with playwright Becky Mode. He has performed internationally was with the Original Broadway Com-pany of RENT, and has been at The Vineyard Theatre, Primary Stages, NY Theatre Workshop, Rattlestick and Tiny Mythic. Most recently he has been in Roulette with Ensemble Studio Theatre and The Last Sunday In June at the Century Center for the Performing Arts. He has been a guest on the TV show Law & Order:Criminal Intent, and appears in the film New Suit.

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CCCHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS C C CAROLSAROLSAROLS Christmas carols symbolize

what the holiday is all about: family, joy, warmth and good deeds. The tradi-tional spirit of Christmas reaches people through

Christmas carols. Tunes like “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” trigger the immediate

sensation of winter, Santa Claus and the Christmas

holiday. Other popular carols in-

clude: ♦ All I Want for Christmas Is My

Two Front Teeth ♦ Angels We Have Heard On High

♦ Away In A Manger ♦ Blue Christmas

♦ Caroling, Caroling ♦ Do You Hear What I Hear?

♦ Feliz Navidad ♦ The First Noel

♦ Frosty The Snowman ♦ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ♦ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ♦ Have Yourself A Merry Little

Christmas ♦ Here Comes Santa Claus

♦ The Holly And The Ivy ♦ Holly Jolly Christmas

♦ Home For The Holidays ♦ I Heard The Bells On Christmas

Day ♦ I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa

Claus ♦ It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

♦ It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

♦ It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

♦ I’ll Be Home For Christmas ♦ Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

♦ Joy To The World ♦ Let It Snow

♦ Little Drummer Boy ♦ O Come All Ye Faithful

♦ O Come O Come Emmanuel ♦ O Holy Night

♦ Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer ♦ Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

♦ Silent Night ♦ Silver Bells

♦ Twelve Days Of Christmas

DDDOOO Y Y YOUOUOU H H HAVEAVEAVE AAA G G GUARDIANUARDIANUARDIAN A A ANGELNGELNGEL???

Some of us on this earth think about things like our guardian angels, while others may find the idea of an angel looking over us to be, sappy, completely ridiculous or maybe

even a bit creepy. The idea of being protected in this life, though, is something that nearly everyone desires, whether it is financially, emotionally or physically. We have all felt the

weight of the world in some regard and have needed that helping hand (or wing depending on what form your angel

may take). The concept of a Guardian Angel has infused popular culture and the media has acted on the topic through television, film

and in several other forms of media. Touched by an Angel was a popular TV series that aired from 1994-2003 on CBS. The

movies Michael and City of Angels are both films that present the idea of angels and mortals interacting. The media has en-tertained the idea that there is a possibility that angels do live

among us or are always looking out for us. The ubiquitous

bumper sticker or license plate holder that

reads “Don’t Drive Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly” is another

popular suggestion that our angels are keeping an eye on us.

This Wonderful Life displays a charac-

ter who undergoes several crises that take him to the brink of total collapse. George Bailey is a man who would consider the idea of an angel to be ab-surd and juvenile. However, buried deep inside of him is the need to be “saved.” Putting

aside all religious implications that may be applied here, being protected, although some-times hard to admit, is what we all desire.

So, why not believe in guardian angels (whatever that may mean to you)? If the premise of having a guardian angel is one that is based on feeling secure in this life, then what is

there to lose? It is the time of year when we get back in touch with our hopes and aspirations, everyone does good for one

another, notices simple acts of kindness and collectively wants to make a difference in the world. The positive virtues of com-munity, family, tradition, gratitude and charity all become no-

ticeable and frankly, people feel good about having faith in ourselves and in each other. These same beliefs can identify

your personal guardian angel. Some of us may believe our an-gels to be a loved one who has passed, a religious symbol or even a family member or

friend who is always there for us. Whoever yours is, it is based on the sheer idea of hope. May your holiday season and the year ahead be filled with the warmth of this hope.

Clarence (Henry Travers) and George (Jimmy Stewart).

“E“E“EVERYVERYVERY TIMETIMETIME YOUYOUYOU HEARHEARHEAR AAA BELLBELLBELL RINGRINGRING, , , ITITIT MEANSMEANSMEANS THATTHATTHAT SOMESOMESOME ANGELANGELANGEL’’’SSS JUSTJUSTJUST GOTGOTGOT HISHISHIS WINGSWINGSWINGS!”!”!”

-Clarence the Angel, It’s a Wonderful Life

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SSSEASONALEASONALEASONAL H H HOLIDAYSOLIDAYSOLIDAYS A A AROUNDROUNDROUND THETHETHE W W WORLDORLDORLD

KKKWANZAAWANZAAWANZAA In 1966 Kwanzaa was created by a professor from Long Beach State University. Kwanzaa means “fruits of the harvest” in Swahili. It is celebrated by African Americans around the country as a reminder of their heritage. The holiday is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st and involves seven princi-ples known as Nguzo Saba: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Seven candles called Mishumaa Saba are lit and placed in a Kinara (candleholder). The seven candles represent the Nguzo Saba (seven principles).

WWWINTERINTERINTER S S SOLSTICEOLSTICEOLSTICE In the Northern Hemisphere Winter Solstice, historically known as Midwinter, takes place on either December 21st or 22nd. In the Southern Hemisphere it takes place on June 21st or 22nd. Astronomically, it marks the first day of winter and is the shortest day, oth-erwise known as the longest night of the year. In each culture the event of Winter Solstice has a variety of meanings, but for many regions it represents rebirth. New beginnings are celebrated at festivals, feasts and rituals. Popular yearly holidays also take place dur-ing this time of year, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, New Years, Pongal and many other celebrations of light!

HHHANUKKAHANUKKAHANUKKAH ( ( (ALSOALSOALSO SPELLEDSPELLEDSPELLED C C CHANUKAHHANUKAHHANUKAH) ) ) Is a Hebrew Holiday known as the festival of lights. Hanukkah comes from the Hebrew word for “dedication” and marks the re-dedication and devotion of the Temple. The holiday takes place in Jewish homes for eight days, usually in late November to late December. In 2007, it will take place from December 4th—December 12th. On each night during Hanukkah a candle is lit on the menorah, the candelabrum (one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish people) representing the olive oil that kept the Temple lit for not one, but eight nights. Celebrations also involve big feasts, traditional songs, gift giving and playing games (including driedel).

TTTAAA C C CHIUHIUHIU Ta Chiu takes place in Hong Kong as well as other parts of China. It is a Taoist festival that takes place on December 27th and celebrates renewal, peace and goodwill. Together, the Tao people get together to summon gods and ghosts of their ancestors collectively to ensure a fulfilled new year. When the celebrations and festivities come to an end, the local priests read every person’s name in the town. The priests attach the list of names to a paper horse and burn it. The smoke from the burned paper is said to flow up to the heavens so they will be remembered by the gods.

EEEIDIDID ALALAL---AAADHADHADHA The Feast of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha commemorates the prophet Ibrahim’s compliance with Allah by sacrificing his son, Ismail. Avoiding the temptation of the devil, Ibrahim and his son made the journey to Mina for the sacrifice. When the sacrifice was about to take place, Allah gave him a sheep to give up instead of his son. The celebration lasts for three days and includes the annual Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca in which millions of Muslims take part. Feasting and plenty of celebration takes place during this joyous occasion.

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SSSEASONALEASONALEASONAL H H HOLIDAYSOLIDAYSOLIDAYS A A AROUNDROUNDROUND THETHETHE W W WORLDORLDORLD

DDDIWALIIWALIIWALI Marking the last harvest before winter, Diwali is a major holiday in faiths originating in India and Nepal:

Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and by some Buddhists. It is related to wealth and money as businessmen often close bank accounts to begin a new accounting year. The deity of wealth in Hinduism, Goddess

Lakshmi is thanked on this day and everyone prays for a positive year ahead. It is celebrated across the globe as the “Festival of Lights” where the lights symbolize good over evil in every human being.

NNNEWEWEW Y Y YEAREAREAR’’’SSS E E EVEVEVE/D/D/DAYAYAY January 1st marks the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. However, the New Year’s holiday exists in many cultures and not all of them take place on January 1st. A variety of calen-dars (Roman, Lunar, Julian, Liturgical and the Sikh Nanakshahi calendar, to name a few) indicate the various times throughout the year that people celebrate the beginning of a new year. In most traditions it is usually celebrated with the mentality of “out with the old, in with the new, lets celebrate!” Here in America, we celebrate with fireworks at midnight, parties and memorable New Year’s resolutions to fulfill in the coming year. Not only is New Year’s Day a holiday, but in modern times, New Year’s Eve has proven to be the real celebration!

TTTETETET Tet is the first morning of the first day of the Vietnamese New Year which is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Celebrations usually occur around the end of January or early February. It is similar to its coun-terpart, Chinese New Year. Holiday foods are cooked, houses cleaned, families visited and the troubles of the past are forgotten as the new year approaches. Traditionally, Tet symbolizes the beginning of Spring.

EEEASTERNASTERNASTERN O O ORTHODOXRTHODOXRTHODOX C C CHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS In Eastern Orthodox religions the Julian calendar is followed, versus the Gregorian calendar (the calendar used in North American calendar). The Julian calendar is set thirteen days behind our standard calendar which means that those who observe a traditional Eastern Orthodox Christmas celebrate not on December 25th, but on the 7th of January. Lent, or fasting, ends on this day, as it begins forty days earlier on the First Day of Advent. On Christmas Eve, the celebration includes attending mass and honoring the birth of Christ, as well as blessing friends and family. Tradition-ally, gifts were not exchanged, however it has now become more common.

BBBODHIODHIODHI D D DAYAYAY Every year on December 8th, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day, which is in honor of Buddha and his discovery of the meaning of life. Sitting under a Bodhi tree, Buddha, the Enlightened one, came up with the principles that Buddhists follow, such as showing compassion for other human beings and living life in moderation. Buddhists share the message of appreciation for others and inner happiness.

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The image of a man, alone on Christmas eve, standing atop a bridge, contemplating his life, poised and ready to jump… This is a familiar image to those of us who know and love the timeless classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. But this image does more for most of us than evoke our nostalgia for classic Christmas movies. There is a widespread understanding that, while the holidays are considered, for most, a time of joy and reflection, of laughter and good cheer, there are some for whom this time of year brings about the “holiday blues.” There are a variety of thoughts as to why this may occur. A significant number of people in our society suffer from a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This affliction corresponds with the seasons in that, as the days grow shorter and there are fewer hours of sunlight or, depending upon the geographical locale, the weather patterns are such that the daytime hours that remain are often overcast or filled with precipitation, sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder become increasingly depressed. SAD sufferers exhibit a tendency to put on weight, and to sleep for many more hours than usual – to go into a hibernation-like state. Recent breakthroughs in the understanding of this condition have found that exposure to full spectrum light (often through specially designed lamps installed in people’s homes or places of work) can counteract these effects. The biochemical correlation between exposure to sunlight and mental state is, for some, quite astounding. For others, the “holiday blues” are not as easily explained by the darker days. Many people find themselves alone at the holidays, or greet the season with a feeling of dread rather than joy because of the stresses of dysfunctional family life. Still others, in a season of giving, are themselves struggling, and find that they have nothing to give. So, how common is the image of an individual prepared to take his or her own life on Christmas eve? Studies have shown that, while the rates of suicide attempts may increase during the holidays, the rates of actual suicide do not increase. The incidences of increased attempts may be explained as cries for help

to family members when the family is actually gathered and can be of assistance to their loved ones. The holiday season is a time that brings about increased awareness for those at risk. A number of safety-nets become available such as food banks, outreach programs and shelters. It is also true that suicide hotlines and other support services are on heightened alert during the holidays, and with more resources available to those in

need, more suicide attempts may be thwarted. Additionally, this is a time of year when average individuals take it upon themselves to be more charitable, generous and giving. This outpouring of kindness can go a long way toward easing the pain of someone in need.

It would appear, in fact, that suicide rates actually increase after the holidays (with a noticeable spike on New Year’s Eve). It is thought that many people develop unrealistic expectations of what the holidays may hold for them, and when those expectations aren’t met, they fall into despair. Additionally, the holidays typically bring about a change in day-to-day activities for most people, and when it’s time to return to the daily grind, those who are struggling may have difficulty confronting the problems that have been waiting for them, and may lose hope. What is clear, is that the kindness and sensitivity we show to those in need at the holidays could stand to be spread throughout the year. It’s amazing how quickly, before the blush of the holidays has even worn off, we return to our fast-paced lives and the frustrations that accompany them. We lose our patience, or lose our cool, and before we know it, rudeness and indifference creep back in. If we could just keep the spirit of the holidays in our hearts all the year long, practicing “peace on earth” and “good will towards all,” and exercising a generosity of spirit toward others, especially those in need, the image of a man, alone, standing atop a bridge, poised and ready to jump may become a rarity – not only at the holidays but throughout the year – and might one day be relegated to “the stuff of movies.”

“...“...“...REMEMBERREMEMBERREMEMBER NONONO MANMANMAN ISISIS AAA FAILUREFAILUREFAILURE WHOWHOWHO HASHASHAS FRIENDSFRIENDSFRIENDS…”…”…”

-Clarence, It’s a Wonderful Life

HHHOLIDAYOLIDAYOLIDAY B B BLUESLUESLUES

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TTTHEHEHE T T TRADITIONRADITIONRADITION OFOFOF G G GIFTIFTIFT GGGIVINGIVINGIVING

Christmas is a time in which we treat each other with kindness, according to tradition. It is this time of the year when relatives

have an opportunity to reunite, as many families are spread across the state and sometimes country.

The holidays are a time in which we are reminded of love and kindness through

the act of gift giving, a tradition that has carried on since the time of Old

Saint Nick in the 4th Cen-tury A.D.

CCCHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS T T TRADITIONRADITIONRADITION

Why do we kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas Why do we kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas Why do we kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas time? When was the first Christmas card sent? time? When was the first Christmas card sent? time? When was the first Christmas card sent?

Who came up with the idea to bake treats around Who came up with the idea to bake treats around Who came up with the idea to bake treats around the holidays? What is the meaning of a Christmas the holidays? What is the meaning of a Christmas the holidays? What is the meaning of a Christmas

tree? tree? tree?

Christmas traditions are practiced far and wide in many countries and are diversified by the culture and religion in which they are observed. The varia-tion of Christmas tradition in the US is equivalent to the number of practicing cultures that have settled here. These major contributions to Christmas were made possible by poets, artists, authors and song-writers, who over the years, have laid a foundation for the ever-evolving, yet ritualistic celebration of Christmas. Melded together by the power of secular and commercialized media, Christmas tradition is as old as the birth of Jesus, with the image of Santa Claus breaking through in the 19th century and each new Christmas film that hits theatres each sea-son adding to the mix. Gift giving, tree trimming and hanging stockings from the mantle are popular Christmas traditions; however, tradition is really just something that is passed down through the years through family or culture in general. It could be at-tending church service or watching the season’s newest holiday movie (this year’s is Fred Claus). Whatever your particular Christmas tradition may be, peace, goodwill and kindness remain the under-

lying principles of the holiday season.

CCCHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS S S STOCKINGSTOCKINGSTOCKINGS The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings be-gan from an ancient story about a widower man and his three daughters. When the daughters be-came eligible for marriage, the father could not afford proper dowries to ensure they would have husbands. One evening after washing their stock-ings, the daughters hung them by the fire to dry. That night, Santa Claus came and left gold in each stocking. The daughters woke to find the gifts in their stockings and they married good husbands. Since then, children have been hanging Christmas stockings hoping for gifts rather than coal.

CCCHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS T T TREESREESREES Dating back to the 16th Century, fir trees were decorated both indoors as well as out. Traditionally, the decorations included ap-ples, roses and colored paper. Lights used to decorate a tree symbolize the night’s stars shining through the branches. The Christmas tree serves as the center of the family’s celebration. The decorating is usually ceremonial as it enlivens the Christmas spirit for the length of the holiday season.

DDDIDIDID Y Y YOUOUOU K K KNOWNOWNOW……… In the 1940s a surge in Christmas cards came courtesy of WWII. Friends and family of those in the war gave and received cards with patriotic symbols and holiday blessings. Christmas recipes vary across the country… ♦ Hawaii celebrates with a teri-

yaki turkey roasted in an out-door pit.

♦ Louisiana serves a Creole gumbo with veal, ham, chicken, shrimp, oysters and crab.

♦ New England tradition includes a Lumberjack Pie with mashed potato crust filled with meat, onion and cinnamon.

Each year the average American household will send out 28 Christmas (or holiday )cards and receive 28 cards in return. In Denmark they put hot porridge outside for the pixies on Christ-mas Eve. Scandinavians associated mistle-toe with Frigga, their goddess of love. Those who kissed beneath it were guaranteed the promise of happiness and good fortune in the following year. In the old days sugar was expen-sive, therefore Christmas cakes were a luxury.

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WWWHOHOHO ISISIS S S SAINTAINTAINT N N NICKICKICK???

“M“M“MERRYERRYERRY CCCHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS” F” F” FROMROMROM

AAAROUNDROUNDROUND THETHETHE W W WORLDORLDORLD

African: Rehus-Beal-Ledeats

Arabic: Milad Majid Brazilian: Feliz Natal Chinese: (Mandarin)

Kung His Hsin Nien Bing Chu Shen Tan

Croatian: Sretan Bozic Czech: Prejeme Vam

Vesele Vanoce a Stastny Novy Rok

French: Joyeux Noel Greek: Kala Chris-

touyenna Hawaiian: Mele Kaliki-

maka Hebrew: Mo'adim Lesim-

kha. Chena Tova Hindi: Shub Naya Baras Iraqi: Idah Saidan Wa

Sanah Jadidah Irish: Nollaig Shona

Dhuit Italian: Buone Feste Na-

talizie Japanese: Shinnen

omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto

Latin: Natale Hilare et Annum Faustum

Navajo: Merry Keshmish Philipines: Maligayan

Pasko Russian: Pozdrevlyayus

prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom

Spanish: Feliz Navidad Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai

Vietnamese: Chung Mung Giang Sinh

Welsh: Nadolig Llawen

The origins of Santa Claus begin with a fellow named Nicholas, who was born in the third century. He was a devout Christian who assisted the needy, sick and suffering. As a young man he was made Bishop of Myra (a Greek region) and devoted his life to God. Bishop Nicholas was known for his generosity for those in need, his love for children as well as his concern for those at sea. He died on December 6, AD 343 in Myra and as the years passed after his death, a growth of devotion was fostered to Nicholas. December 6th became a day of celebration, Saint Nicholas Day. Throughout the centuries many stories have been told of St. Nicholas and his

good deeds. Many of these stories have been passed on through generations and have savored the extraordinary character of St. Nicholas. He has been revered as a pro-tector and an aide for those in need. In many parts of Europe Saint Nicholas Day is still cele-brated. In Germany and Poland, St. Nicholas was remem-bered for giving to the poor. In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint’s horse hoping that Saint Nicholas will exchange them for gifts and candy. Most celebration around Saint Nicholas still takes place on the 6th of December as Christmas Day is a day focused on Christ. When the first Europeans came to the New World in the 15th century, they brought his presence with them, dedicating newly discovered ports and cathedrals to the saint. In 1809 Washington Irving wrote a

satirical fiction about Saint Nicholas Day. This was the first time the saint was referred to as a jolly character that shimmied down chimneys with gifts to leave for children. The jolly elf image received an even bigger boost in 1823, when the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”) was published. As years passed the image of Saint Nicholas evolved as other artists

and writers modified his representation as “Sancte Claus” or “Santa Claus.” In 1863 the Harper’s Weekly published a series of black and white cartoons by Thomas Nast. The illus-trations were based on the poem and Wash-ington Irving’s character. The “Santa Claus” fellow embodied a round physique, flowing beard, fluffy garments and a clay pipe. By the end of the 1920s a standard American Santa was finally established. After several in-terpretations by several artists, the jolly man as we know him today was pretty well set in stone. Over the course of 35 years, Santa Claus popularized Coca-Cola advertisements, solidifying his iconic status in commercial culture. Today, Santa Claus remains in the media spotlight as he is portrayed in malls, festivals, films and anywhere else one can think of. He continues

to represent Saint Nicholas as a patron saint of children, but also serves as a marketing icon during the holiday season. It has indeed been a long journey from the Fourth Century de-vout Christian Bishop from Myra, but if you peel back the accretions, you can still see the Saint Nicholas within.

Illustration by J.C. Leyen-decker of the Saturday Eve-

Illustration by Haddon Sundblom for Time Maga-

zine, 1955.

Illustration by Thomas Nast for Harper’s Weekly, 1881.

Illustration by Alexander

Anderson, 1801.

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‘T‘T‘TWASWASWAS T T THEHEHE N N NIGHTIGHTIGHT B B BEFOREEFOREEFORE C C CHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS.........

In 1823 “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” was

anonymously published in the Troy Sentinal. This traditional family favorite was commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and thought to have been written my Clement C. Moore. As a biblical scholar and poet, Moore allowed his name to become attached to the poem, claiming he wrote it on Christmas Eve of

1823. Problems arose as several others claimed otherwise. For nearly fifteen years

before the poem was pub-lished in the Sentinal, a group of children had

been listening to Henry Livingston read the poem. This testament has been an argument for years: who really wrote the

poem?

...when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

VVVOCABULARYOCABULARYOCABULARY

'twas = it was stirring = movement nestled = comfortably in place 'kerchief = headscarf clatter = noise sash = window covering that is pulled down from inside the room shutters = window cover-ing that is opened from outside the window lustre = glow, illumina-tion sleigh = Santa Claus' vehicle, also used in Alaska with dogs St. Nick = Santa Claus coursers = swift animals trained to follow by sight (not scent) porch = terrace dash away = move on-wards quickly twinkling = a second bound = a jump tarnished = dirty soot = black waste mate-rial found inside a chim-ney bundle = bag peddler = someone who sells things on the street dimples = indentations on the cheeks merry = happy droll = whimsically hu-morous encircled = circle around belly = stomach dread = to be afraid of jerk = quick movement down of a thistle = the light material on a certain type of weed that floats away in the air ere = before

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CCCHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS T T TRADITIONRADITIONRADITION INININ S S SANANAN J J JOSEOSEOSE

Christmas in the Park is a community effort here in San José to exhibit holiday tradition. Several generations have enjoyed the lights and holiday spirit of the exhibit year after year. Many San José residents hold memories of hot cocoa, Christmas carols, warm coats and blow-up characters from some part of their childhood or even adult life. As a non-profit organization known as Christmas in the Park, Inc., it consists of thousands of community volunteers, a board of directors and a partnership with the City of San José, Department of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Ser-vices who dedicate their time, energy and fundraising to the Christmas tradi-tion. The tradition was started in 1950 by a San José community leader named Don Lima. On the front lawn of his business on Willow Street, he placed animated Christmas characters and decorations. Each year the display grew and each year more and more traffic backed up as spectators of all ages crowded the street to enjoy the scenery Mr. Lima provided. By 1970, not only did his display outgrow the lawn of his business, but the crowd also became overwhelming. Mr. Lima donated his Christmas decorations to the City of San José with the hope that it would continue to expand. After a few years of display in front of San José’s City Hall, Mr. Lima gathered a committee of members to vote on moving the display to Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Since the early 1980’s the two acre park in central downtown has housed the Christmas tradition giving it the space it needs to thrive in the community. Each year, nearly 275,000 hours are spent on the transformation of Cesar Chavez Park to a winter holiday fantasy. Each year the city hosts the lighting of the 60 foot Community Giving Tree as well as an annual Christmas Parade. Over 60 musical animated displays, a forest of decorated trees by local busi-nesses, schools and group collectives, glittering lights, entertainment by schools and organizations, hot cocoa, photos with Santa and a number of original dis-plays keeps our community tradition beaming each year. One of the largest ex-hibits houses Mr. Lima’s train, melting snowman, caroling mice and elf wood-crafters. A winter wonderland comes to life each year by the hands of spirited volunteers. Christmas in the Park draws more than 450,000 people each year during four weeks of the holiday season. Open to the public-at-large, the exhibit is always free. From 6:00pm to Midnight each night, Christmas in the Park stays lit with joy. Photos with Santa Claus, entertainment and refreshments are available every night. In recent years the celebration of Christmas in the Park has extended beyond Cesar Chavez Park. Holiday decorations are strewn along Paseo de San Antonio clear up to San Jose State’s campus. The snow machines enhance the holiday fun along with the outdoor ice skating rink at the circle of palms between the San Jose Museum of Art and the Fairmont Hotel. Another recent tradition that has been added to the festivities are the carnival rides throughout downtown. Every year gets merrier here in San Jose: long time traditions thrive and new ones begin!

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1. Many of the traditions and symbolism around different cultural holiday traditions contain a lot of similarities. What underlying principles (and rituals) do you feel they have in common? How do they differ? 2. Despite the fact that It’s a Wonderful Life begins and ends on Christmas Eve, when the film was made Frank Capra stated that it wasn’t really meant to be a Christmas movie. What do you think he meant by that? And why do you think it has endured as a Christmas tradition anyway? 3. Look at the information about the San Jose tradition of Christmas in the Park. How do you think most traditions get started (and why – what makes them “tradition- worthy”)? What are some traditions that are unique to your family? How did they get started? 4. Do you have a “Guardian Angel,” or someone in your life who looks out for you? Is there someone for whom you do the same? What “evidence” do you have that someone is watching over you? 5. Do you feel that the spirit of the holidays is alive and well, or do you feel the season has become too commercialized? Explain your answer. If you could change something about the way society recognizes the holidays, what would you do differently?

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1. Had you ever seen the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life? If so,

did you feel this production was evocative of the movie? If not, did it make you want to watch the movie? Why or why not (to either of the above)?

2. When This Wonderful Life was developed, Steve Murray and Mark Setlock wanted to ensure that the play could be executed in a large, state-of-the-art theatre like San Jose Rep, as well as in a small “black box” theatre. How do you imagine the show would be different (and how well would it work) without the benefit of the technical elements of this production? 3. All of the characters in this show are played by one man. Without any change of costume or make-up, he brings to life a wide range of distinctly different individuals. What do you imagine it takes to bring so many different characterizations to the stage at one time? Can you think of any other actors who play multiple characters in a single show? 4. There are other popular stories (including some that are

traditional at this time of year) in which the main character is given an opportunity to reflect upon his life. Can you name some of those other stories? Why impact do they have? Do you feel they are effective? Why or why not? And why are they so popular at the holidays?

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FFFURTHERURTHERURTHER R R RESEARCHESEARCHESEARCH

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It’s a Wonderful Life Reading ♦ The It’s a Wonderful Life Book by Jeanine Basinger in collaboration with the

Trustees of the Frank Capra Archives, Alfred Knoff, New York, 1986 ♦ The Essential It’s a Wonderful Life by Michael Willian, Chicago Review Press,

2004 ♦ It’s a Wonderful Life, A Memory Book by Stephen Cox, Cumberland House,

2003 ♦ The American Film Institute website www.afi.com

Film ♦ It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra, Liberty Films, 1946 ♦ The Making of It’s a Wonderful Life a documentary hosted by Tom Bosely featured on the 45th Anniversary Edition on home video

Holiday Reading ♦ All Things Christmas website www.allthingschristmas.com ♦ “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” website http://www.blackdog.net/

holiday/christmas/twas.html ♦ World Holidays information www.todaysparent.com ♦ Christmas website www.mymerrychristmas.com ♦ North Pole and Santa Claus www.northpole.com ♦ Who was St. Nick? www.stnicholascenter.org ♦ World Holidays website www.earthcalendar.net ♦ About Hanukkah, www.history.com/ministries/hanukkah

Other Research ♦ Guardian Angel website www.ibelieveinangels.com ♦ Information about Angels, www.spirithome.com/angels.html ♦ Holiday blues references/statistics www.suicidereferencelibrary.com ♦ Christmas in the Park website www.christmasinthepark.com