Celebrating a Winter Tradition that has Been Enjoyed for Seven Decades

Seven decades of the Christmas story

This morning, I realized that I had been observing a Winter ritual for seven decades. I was watching the soap opera Days of Our Lives, where the cast is celebrating 60 years on the air. DOOL premired on November 8, 1965.

There was a tribute to the character Dr. Tom Horton, portrayed by MacDonald Carey. Jennifer Horton Devereaux (Melissa Reeves) spoke about a tradition her grandfather started and there was a flashback to Dr. Tom reading the biblical Christmas story to the children in University Hospital.

With the Bible in hand, Dr.Horton read from Luke chapter 2, which tells of the birth of Jesus. As his voice continued, the scene changed to show various characters who had read the Christmas story to the hospital children over the decades.

Luke chapter King James version

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

A holiday ritual begins

I first saw the Christmas story read by Tom Horton in 1972 at the age of 12, while watching DOOL with my great-grandmother, Florence. I quoted along with Carey's character because this scripture was used in my church Christmas plays, and I had learned verses nine through fifteen from memory.

Every year since then, for six decades/53 seasons I have made sure I tuned in to Days of Our Lives on Christmas Eve so I don't miss the annual reading of the first Christmas. In recent years, I stand and say the scriptures along with whatever character is reading.

The tradition continues

Horton family members are not the only ones who read the holiday story to the University Hospital children. Members of the Brady clan and extended relatives have also read Luke chapter 2. Last year, Mayor Paulina Price (Jackie Harry) continued the tradition.

This is a boost to my faith and emphasizes the reason I celebrate the season. I realized while watching the Days of Our Lives episode that I had been enjoying the Biblical account of the first Christmas for seven decades, thanks to Charles Shultz.

The Peanuts animator had to argue with CBS executives to allow Linus Vanpelt to quote from Luke chapter 2 on A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Seven decades of A Charlie Brown Christmas

I love it when Linus says "Lights please," and the children become silent as they listen to him tell Charlie Brown the real meaning of the holiday. I also stand when Christopher Shea's voice delivers the powerful scene.

I have been saying this scripture with Linus for 60 years, since December 9, 1965, when it debuted. I used to tell my children that it really wasn't the Christmas season for me until I quoted the Bible story along with Linus and Days of Our Lives.

 Unwittingly beginning a Winter ritual

I had not realized this was a Winter tradition/ritual until the DOOL episode aired at 6:00 a.m., and I thought of the Vocal challenge. I became misty-eyed this morning watching the Peacock tribute to the daytime drama's 60 years that began on NBC.

I had been frustrated at the number of stores selling Christmas merchandise before Halloween and the non-stop holiday commercials on television. Holiday ads used to begin with Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, which was once the official first shopping day of the season.

It only gets better

The tribute to Tom Horton let me know that in the midst of the hustle and bustle for money, somewhere out there the meaning of the first Christmas can still be found if you know where to look for it.

I agree with Tom Horton because for me, each time I read the Bible story or say it along with Linus or a DOOL character it only gets better.

A lot has changed in the 60 years since A Charlie Brown Christmas and Days of Our Lives emphasized the birth of Jesus on national television. Christopher Shea died at 52 in August, 2010. MacDonald Carey died in March 1994 ast 81.

Still, their voices carry on each holiday season through videos, DVD, and YouTube. I look forward to continuing my yearly tradition while watching A Charlie Brown Christmas on Apple+ TV and the DOOL Christmas episode.