yes I am stupid for uploading this late on Christmas Eve, if you're actually watching this now then wow thanks you're the best, also I know the thumbnail is from a different video I forgot to pose for one GOD. k now leave me alone merry christmas.
All of life is an opportunity to grow through successive iteration. Kaizen life, just read a mention of it in Betty Edwards’ Drawing on the Dominant Eye & Dustin Brown frequently asks that we be kind of our progression. In this case you are exercising TH-cam as a practice NOT PERFECTION.
I think C.S. Lewis' rendition of Father Christmas is one of my favourites. His gifts are insightful and purposeful, he gifts a sword to Peter for him to stand up to the witch and lead the armies of Aslan, a bow to Susan to help support Peter in the great war, and a vial of some healing potion to Lucy for the healing of Narnia after the war (and also to heal Edmund). He is a wise spirit indeed though it has been some time since I read the whole series.
I love everything about this! And I really agree with the point about children's literature. There's a quote from C. S. Lewis... "A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest." And as a writer of middle-grade, I really appreciate this. There's a mystery and a wonder to children's stories that I think is really important, and we need to get back to that.
I admire your passion, and that you stick to your values. Given how you described your grandfather I suspect he would be very proud to have this video dedicated to him. Merry Christmas, Galatea.
I see a lot of people saying they hate christmas and I think I just realized why. They have really awful expectations. They have this image in their heads of everything being perfect like in commercials and everyone being happy when in reality, sometimes your year is so bad that you do not have the money for decorations and presents. Sometimes you can't afford it and instead of using this time in the right way, you spend it resenting how it doesn't fit your expectations. I think the best example of what Christmas is and how important it is is WW1. 1914 was a terrible year, with many people dying but still in many places soldiers from opposite sides spend christmas giving each other presents, playing football and singing, doing this against the will of their superiors. German with French and Brittish and Scotts. And, what I found hearwarming as a polish person, on some fronts where polish people were forced to fight against eachother (one side for Austria and the other for Russia, becouse Poland was currently occupied) they started signing polish christmas carols and the other side answered. It's so sad and tragic on one side, knowing that they were forced to kill each other 2 days later but so beautiful on the other. Small pause in this terrible time. And seeing that among the enemy there are actual people, not monsters.
"The poor little match-girl dying in the snow is all part of the spirit of Hogswatch Master. You see people hear about it and say, 'Well we might be as poor as a disabled banana and only can afford to eat mud and boots, but see how much better off we are than the poor little match-girl.' So that makes them happy and grateful for what they have got." I KNOW WHAT THE SPIRIT OF HOGSWATCH IS ALBERT. --Death touches the hourglass, reversing the flow of sand, in-view the match-girl takes a shuddering breath. "You're not allowed to do that", Albert whispered THE HOGFATHER CAN. THE HOGFATHER GIVES PRESENTS. THERE'S NO BETTER PRESENT THAN A FUTURE. ― Death ― The Hogfather
And some people just hate Christmas because they are born on it, constantly get forgotten by everyone and the holiday became a symbol of how only a few people actually bother to think about you, and thus realizing from an early age that what people WANT from XMAS is presents and a good dinner with their family and friends, not actually the spirit itself- which is showing people they care about one another and to celebrate whatever brings them light. Once you discover that historians actually said that from the entire story about Jesus birth, most of the evidence actually suggests he was born in September and that its speculated they moved it to December because various pagan beliefs had traditions such as Yule around late December because the 21st is the longest night, and that factually your birthday was ruined by a religious agenda, XMAS become days to be hated. Sincerely, someone born on XMAS EVE, and from what I've heard of the people born on one of the three XMAS days, I'm far from the only XMAS baby who hates XMAS.
I mean there is also the force expectation of children to perform in a holiday where they pretend to be polite to estranged family members who break their boundaries. Not everyone hates Christmas because it's not like the commercials. I grew up repeatedly with my boundaries violated, forced to hug, and accept kisses from family members who I didn't know and felt like strangers. That in itself is traumatic.
Thank you for pin pointing the kind of Christmas I want to celebrate in my heart vs. the commercial bullshit we’re being fed. Re: posting letters to Santa! As an alternative, I remember my mum would tell me to leave my letter on the window ledge. She said Santa was magic, and it would take a few days for him to notice, but soon he would come and collect it. Don’t know how she had the patience to wait out and play pretend, but it was a magical little tradition and I greatly appreciate it now. Have a warm and peaceful celebration with your family!
so nice to hear from you! Your mum's tradition sounds awesome and very magical, I love it when parents really get in the Christmas spirit. I hope you had a lovely Christmas :)
Girl when you said “we hate watching movies with you.“ I truly felt that one in my bones. My friends and family don’t like watching movies with me either. I rip the films to shreds and it pisses them off I suppose. 😂😂😂 great to see another video from you Galatea!
First let me say my condolences. Even though it wasn't the most recent events it is very difficult to lose someone you love. This is my first Christmas without my mother, and her motto was also where there's a will there's a way. Not going to lie kind of teared up on that. But in a good way. Secondly, you've given me a lot to think about which is a wonderful Christmas present. I would have never considered that Santa and Gandalf are similar archetypes oh, but you made a compelling argument. Thank you and have a wonderful rest of your holiday season
I adore many adaptations of A Christmas Carol as well as It's a Wonderful Life, but otherwise am very choosy with my Christmas entertainment choices. However, one of my newer, all time favorites is the Oscar nominated "Klaus" on Netflix. I feel that it captures the spirit of Christmas well without a hint of commercialism.
The best Santa's grotto I ever went to, they had an actual old man with a long beard, and he'd sit in a log cabin with evergreens everywhere, and instead of asking what you wanted, he'd ask your name, them give you a present which, when you opened it, it would be like a little preview from your Christmas list that you hadn't sent yet (like, if you asked for a dog, he'd give you a toy dog). I found put later, that this particular grotto had a prebooking system with a form to fill out, but as a little kid, I thought it was actually magic.
Hilarious and insightful as always! As someone from the orthodox Christian and Slavic part of the world, it's genuinely baffling and even a little off-putting to see how comercialised the American perception of Christmas is. We celebrate Christmas on the 7th January (Julian calendar) and we get presents for New Year's Eve -- there's a long answer as to why, the short answer is because of the Communist regime which was in place for the most of the 20th century. But honestly, I think it might be better that way. It means Christmas is a time of reflection and gratitude for your family and your health (and mild fire hazard as we ritually burn oak branches), and we leave the rampant consumerism for New year's Eve
Your sentiment about how children's literature and media should have more work and love put into it is exactly how I feel. My family's never done the Santa thing, but I love the idea of a spooky and fantastical vibe for Christmas instead of the commercialism or the lack of any concrete emotion or feeling, the way it's been in my house. A strong, caring, fierce, jolly, sacrificing, protective warrior is only right for symbols of Christmas
Your grandfather sounds formidable. I shed some tears of happyness for you to have had such a great grandfather. Thanks for your video on christmas you gave me a bit of christmas feeling on a day where nothing around me felt like the day I rememberd when I was still a child. I love your videos and I always take care to really listen to them, not just consuming.
Having kids write a letter and then burn it not only makes perfect sense for communicating with a magical being, but if you all have to sing some special (not not cheesy) song while doing it so the smoke knows where to go, it's also wonderfully pagan and ritualistic which is something that kids love.
The 80s-90s changed everything. The tearing down of all the cheesy, sentimental family value TV shows. Now we're just desperately clinging to whatever tad bit of sentiment and nostalgia that hasn't been bastardized by Hollywood & marketing groups.
A fond thank you for making this video. Maybe I’m extremely uneducated, but I have honestly never heard of “Father Christmas” described in the magical way you depicted. It beats the crap out of the commercial Santa Clause I grew up with, and I’m glad to have learned of such a beautiful symbol of Christmas I can reflect on. Also, thank you for sharing the memory of your grandfather with us as well! He sounds like he was a good man.
I'll be honest, I like Elf, but can definitely understand why others wouldn't. It's a 2000s comedy of which its tropes have been overused to death ever since, which can make returning to these older movies of this period harder to watch, at least for me. Then again, I only enjoyed Will Ferrell in one other film and that was the Lego Movie. Overall, Christmas films were not a big part of my childhood (mostly cause my family didn't really celebrate the holiday for various factors), but the few I did see (like Home Alone, Elf, A Muppet's Christmas Carol to name a few) made a pretty good balance between showcasing the holiday and the mystical elements that draw many to celebrate them, whilst highlighting the pros and cons that come with it. Which is what is arguably missing in most holidays films in general these days as you touch on with your video. Whether about Christmas, Halloween, or other.
Thank you for voicing how I feel about a lot of Christmas films (my mum and my brother don't get why I find the films so irritating). And I'm glad you brought up Rise of the Guardians as that's one of the only versions of father christmas that I actually like (and I love that film).
I agree, this idea that something can be stupid and low quality just because it's for children is insulting to children and to their intelligence. Their formative years are so important and their views on the world are shaped at this stage. When did we value childhood and learning so lowly? It's about time Christmas was reclaimed from these godless and selfish individuals who have turned it into a holiday for consumerism instead of family, love and belonging.
In Italy we have Befana, personification of the Epiphany on the 6th of January, she is an old lady and we left her wine, bread, cheese and salami. She brings sweets to good good children. Now days she fighting a defensive battle to survive, since all these movies have cemented even here the popularity of the americanised version of Father Christmas.
"He drinks whisky, like a man!" Got a hard chuckle out of me, thank You. Still, despite having like 11 bottles of whisky stored I enjoy cookies and milk much more, I always found that tradition relatable. Also kids usually dont have an access to hard liquor when preparing a meal for Santa
You reminded me of a statement by Roald Dahl about how adult fiction may become a bestseller but a good children's book will be read for generations upon generations.
I thought there must've been something wrong with me for hating the movie Elf when everyone else I know seems to love it, so reassuring to hear that someone else hates it too XD
I'll fight anybody badmouthing Arthur Christmas, Elf I can let that pass but Arthur Christmas, OH NO. I will also fight anyone objecting to Mrs. Claus existence based solely on the fact we had a charming film about Mrs. Claus starring the phenomenal Angela Lansbury.
Your grandfather sounds an admirable man. The way you described him made me think of the men Tolkien writes - Éomer, Faramir, Aragorn and Húrin. They have that same blend of deep joy in what is good and fierce unyielding protectiveness against what is evil in the world. You’re very right to call that a positive masculinity, I think. I’ll be thinking on this for a while now - thank you.
As an American who despises Christmas movies...I was born ready for this. 😎Go off, girl! (I know other people love Christmas movies, and that's totally fine. I just don't enjoy them)
When I was a kid I loved the part in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe where Father Christmas came. His arrival was the first sign the Witch's power was waning, and it really made an impression on me when I was really young. Even though I live in the US, we always had a more Old World style Christmas and it was really magical. I really loved this video and thank you for the story about your grandfather. He sounds amazing
On the one hand, I'd love to see your opinion on Klaus and whether I'm right in thinking it's a great Christmas movie, on the other, reviewing Santa Inc would create a rant of such biblical proportions the likes of which are unlikely to ever be seen again.
21:24. Could have fooled me. Also, Spiral you say? Like Spiral/Uzumaki (Junji Ito) (2000)? You're gonna make me watch for all kinds of connections now, aren't you? :P
It's indirectly the fault of the dutch who migrated to America and merged father Christmas with Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of children who brings gifts to children on December 6th (for us Belgians) and December 5th (for the Dutch). Turning basically Odin into a version of a Byzantine bisschop, while abandoning the religious context absolutely murdered the magic indeed.
Honestly, I would happily welcome a Santa Claus origin story where he starts off as an unbeatable warrior, and slowly transcends to the magical, fatherly saint of generosity. Dang it, Galatea I want this sort of movie now! Make Christmas Spooky and Mysterious Again!
This was a great if slightly mad video and your fondness for your grandfather reaally comes through. I agree with you that someone is never forgotten if some small aspect of their character or values influences those around them who in turn take on some of that and pass it on themselves.
When you were talking about the description of the room with the Ghost of Christmas present from A Christmas Carol it reminded me of the scene from Scrooge, the 1970 musical, when he appears to Scrooge. It's so bright in the room that the door is glowing and when he goes in not only is the feast magnificent looking but even the music adds to the grandeur. that's one of my favorite Christmas movies. Merry Christmas from Las Vegas where the only mystery during the December is how we didn't die during the Summer from the heat.
14:54 "do people know we don't have to make everything relatable?" that's a great point. I instantly thought about superhero movies nowadays. I think thats the main reason I don't like to watch them anymore
I actually am reading the deathly hallows book today and I got to the part where Harry has one more conversation with Dumbledore about death. This video is insanely timely, galatea!! 😄
Klaus was a real treat in terms of christmas movies. Beautiful story, animation and that ending, dude! Enough to make a grown man cry Edit: MERRY FUCKING CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY. Hope everyone is fine, stay safe and here's to a better safer New year
The eulogy part and ever time you brought up your grandfather really resonated. I think you honour him well in your life and your opinions. That closing line was phenomenal. On the Santa / Father Christmas front, I managed to avoid the commercialized Santa almost entirely and Narnia was my exposure to Father Christmas. I'm North American, but I think if I have kids I will end up raising them with the Father Christmas mythology rather than the commercialized powered down Santa. I'll be looking at more of the associated media and lore mentioned here. I think any children of mine would enjoy that lore much more than the mall Santa version of Christmas. Thank you for this gift ❤
Stumbled across your channel, and I am so thankful. You and your subscribers in the comments sections have helped me feel like I’m not alone. Especially over on the desecration of femininity video. I’m an American classical liberal leaning conservative with a background of general American secular childhood. I’m highly creative and even though the conservative community I’m a part of is vast there are very, very few creative people and essentially none of them are women. It makes building friendships very difficult and I always feel like I’m some weird spectacle to conservatives due to my creative/openness. But, I also feel the same way with more liberal types due to my values
I loved your point about how Father Christmas transcends just Christianity and has roots in many different old traditions. This time of year you constantly see Christian Vs pagan discourse about whether Christmas is REALLY Christian or pagan and it truly misses the point because it's both and neither. It belongs to everyone. There are so many synchronicities for a reason- it's the perennial tradition remaining in the modern world. Same with Easter.
This was a great video. Ive never really felt the magic of Christmas, everything I see about it just sucks out the romance of the tradition. Almost like you do it just because you're supposed to not because you feel something for it. I appreciate your video, it makes me rethink how I want to do any holiday with my children
You laid out exactly why I hate Christmas movies. I was really beginning to think I was the only one. Father Christmas in Narnia was a really great representation, I think.
A few words on the history of Santa Claus in America: His modern appearance is NOT the result of a Coca Cola campaign. They did coopt the look for that campaign but they didn't create it, they were drawing on the work of artist Thomas Nast, who became famous for his Christmas illustrations during the American Civil War. His Santa dressed in red, and was entirely portrayed as a jolly gift giver with many of his harsher aspects cut out. He didn't even give out coal, as I recall. These illustrations, in turn, were heavily influenced by the time period. Winter was and is the time between campaigns, as armies can't really fight in the snow. At the same time it is generally a time of community togetherness yet most of the men of the nation were in one of the two warring armies, far from their families, if they lived at all. There was no need for stories to remind you of the darker things in life. There was a great need for something to remind people that the good things would come back once again. For better or worse Nast met that need and continued to provide that look at Santa and the whole season for the rest of his life. His name is pretty much forgotten now but in his day Nast was the meme king of popular illustration. On top of Santa he's credited with branding the Republicans with their elephant and cementing the Democrats with their donkey. He contributed to toppling one of the most powerful political corruption rings in the nation and never backed a national Presidential candidate who lost. So maybe it's unsurprising that he created an idea of the character that endured. That portrayal was heavily shaped by the time it came from and probably isn't relevant to the modern day, to be sure, but I'd say that has more to do with the modern hunger for comfort over adversity than the portrayal itself.
That is not true either though! The look is losely based off of Sinterklaas, hence the name Santa Claus. It's a Dutch tradition that shares similarities with XMAS, and in the colonial days, people thought Sinterklaas was our version of XMAS whilst it's an entirely different tradition. However, as they thought it was our version of XMAS, various things of our tradition got copied by other settlers. One of these things is the story of Father Christmas being Saint Nicholas of Myra which is where the red outfit comes from (religious red, like cardinals wear. I didn't study history, I just like it so I don't exactly know the earliest depiction, but I've seen 16th century art where he was already wearing his signature red).
@@inferiorinferno8859 I think you've missed the point of my comment. Nast was more likely to draw on a German tradition of Father Christmas than the American one, as he was German born and not overly familiar with the American tradition when he started his famous illustrations. My point is he stripped out a lot of the darker elements like punishing bad kids or the harshness of winter, while cementing the iconic cap and suit over other outfits like robes and a miter. There are also plenty of instances of American takes on Father Christmas in other colors before and after Nast, but he certainly weighted elements heavily towards the red end of the spectrum. I'm not saying there weren't other traditions or influences that shaped our understanding of the character from history, just that the modern look isn't primarily funneled through a Coca Cola ad but rather the societal pressures of the mid 19th century and the work of a well known illustrator of that time.
This is sort of why the dominance of American media in the west at large isn't quite as wonderful as some may think. Everyone sees our movies, but has no damned clue of where many of these tropes come from. The Brits would likely have as much understanding of the American Civil War as an American would have for, say, the war for Irish independence. We offer a broad window into our culture that's more than a bit foggy.
I only watch the classics on Christmas- Shaun the sheep special, Muppets or similar stuff. Well written yet simple stuff for kids usually manages to capture the christmas spirit while being free from any other messages being forced down audience's throats. For christmas I dont need anything complex, a Paddington movie is like the peak complexity for that time of the year
The fact that you referenced The Hogfather warms my cold heart deeply. Not only is it a very good interpretation of the book (in my opinion), it is also the ultimate Christmas film/series in my household because of the magic and darkness it represents. The speech Death gives at the end to Susan makes me tear up without fail every single time. “Show me one atom of justice, one molecule of mercy” resonates with me on a spiritual level. And yes, I am aware it’s the middle of January… but the Christmas spirit lives on and your video, as always, is brilliant.
Great video. It's the perfect companion to Christmas since it actually manages to embody the feel-good side of the holiday, as you casually move between a very personal place with the stories of your grandfather to your overview of the mythological progression of Christmas throughout history and to its less than ideal modern state. There's a warm message here that shines through your warranted weariness for what the holiday has become. Thanks for putting this together. Merry Christmas.
This was fantastic! This video really revealed something to me that I didn't realize was missing. I truly enjoyed watching the whole thing and feel like you presented your position very well.
Honestly, I'm not at all surprised that you're a fellow Waldorf kid. I was one too and while my family aren't exactly anthroposophists, Waldorf school just shapes people in a certain way regardless of personal philosophy. The way you always tend to speak of fiction in your videos has always felt very... familiar to me, in a way? And I could never pinpoint why, until you mentioned the Waldorf school thing. And then I realized! Lol, it's pretty funny. Definitely agreed on the advent celebrations too, those were always a magical experience. I sadly didn't have a grandpa growing up, and I always felt like I missed out as a result. Especially since I unfortunately didn't get along too well with my grandma. Oh well, such is life. I'm happy you had such great memories of yours though! No I'm not envious at all, what are you talking about??
haha I always love meeting other Steiner kids, no matter where in the world they're from there's such a shared cultural experience that its kind of like we all grew up together, weirdly, if that makes sense. I love the amount of common ground. Hope you had a magical Christmas!
If I didn't already love you, I would love you for this. Please feel free to do some more vids on the subject of horrible cringy films that actually suck the life and meaning out of the things/events they are based around. There are unnumbered films that should have been a 30 second skit but somehow ended-up being 90 minute cringe-fests.
This is one of my favorite videos. I come back and watch every couple of months. I used to hate the idea of Santa Clause, but watching this video makes me feel nostalgic for something I’ve never even liked.
I’m here in July for some reason. The bits about your Granddad were my favorites in the video. Lovely. Good video. Now I have some new Christmas movies to recommend to the family to watch this year, thanks!
This video was a gift indeed, your point is relevant. I had forgotten a lot about the original Christmas myth that I had read so long ago. Keep fighting the fight! Merry Christmas!
Your thoughts and observations about niceness vs kindness are very much aligned with my own. Niceness is a smokescreen, a facade, a means of duping people into trusting you or, in an conflict, duping the people around you (most people cannot see through smokescreens after all) into thinking you're the good party when you may actually be the villain of the piece. There may be some circumstances where niceness, as a tool, is not used for ill but most of the time I just see it as a massive red flag. Kindness is genuine, and not always nice. Kindness is taking the time to figure out what is in the best interests of that other person and doing it or empowering them to do it, even if takes a kick up the rectum. Kindness is pure hearted as well, whereas niceness tends to be manipulative. Nice people tend to be well-liked because their aim is to be well-liked (even if they are cruel, deceptive people beneath the facade of niceness) and their whole game is tricking people into liking them whereas kind people to be more polarising as they have genuine morals guiding them which means they will either be loved by some, hated by others (maybe even most), particularly since kind people will bare their fangs to defend what is moral and to fight what is immoral. Kindness is sensitivity decked in armour, with a sword. Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice is a good example of a kind character that isn't nice. He is hated by most because of this, but his actions (particularly in saving her family's reputation) are driven by a pure-hearted kindness to Elizabeth and he is also loved by his housekeeper and those who know him closely.
What you describe in regards to healthy masculinity, and specifically your grandfather's outlook and general disposition, reminds me of the biblical idea of 'meekness.' From what I have heard, the ancient world in Jesus' time thought of meekness (as referenced in the Beatitudes) to include an analogy of a mighty warhorse with reins that guide its strength. You have power- danger even- but it is restrained and under control, only coming out to fight the monsters that seek to destroy us, whether internal threats to our soul or external threats to our bodies. To be meek is not weak, but the very definition of masculine. As an American, I also despise the corporate marketization of Christmas that has sterilized any semblance of meaning from the holiday. I love your description of your grandfather and some of his heroic exploits. Thank you for sharing! Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!
Your perspective on things is fascinating. Maybe it's due to being American, and thus being inundated with the Coca Cola version of Santa Claus for all my life, but none of this had ever occurred to me. Also, I whole heartedly agree about the Santa tracker and such, I would just as soon have companies, media figures and the like never mention Santa at all, it doesn't feel like they are participating in the Christmas spirit, it feels like they are being dishonest and trying to get one over on the kids that believe.
There's a lot I'd like to say, but I don't think it's all willing to become words right now, so I'll stick to this: This was a touching tribute to your grandfather, an absolutely brilliant examination of the archetype of Father Christmas, and now I have some sort of idea buzzing in the back of my head about life and light in winter that I need to go form into a story. Thank you and merry Christmas
Wow. What a refreshing, and frankly beautiful video. I found the way you spoke of your Granddad really quite touching, and your thoughts on the awful commercialisation/Americanisation of Christmas and Father Christmas, on the absolute importance of magic, myth, mystery, and some edge to him, to just be spot on. Also totally with you on the incredible power of children’s literature. Thanks for this.
Considering “Santa Claus” is based off of St Nicholas who was a Catholic bishop, he would not have even had a wife, so I’m totally with you on Mrs Claus
Thank you for this video. Not only was it insightful about Christmas and the commercialization of it but it was incredible touching to hear about your granddad.
Your grandfather sounded like a great man. I'm sure he'd love your tribute to him. I'd love to hear your opinions about David Lowery's The Green Knight movie.
Thank you for the video, I really enjoyed it. I share your frustration on what Christmas is today, it's like every celebration became an excuse to buy, buy, buy. And I appreciated your stories about your grandfather, your words about him brought tears to my eyes. Happy holidays! :)
I am fairly bad at comments, but I just want to say that I agree with you on the cringe that Christmas has become and it saddens me deeply as well. I can't say I've had a role model like your granddad myself unfortunately, but listening to you describing him made me cry several times and over all I am grateful you made this video. I am also curious what you think about the animated film Klaus that came out 2019.
I agree very much. I always hate when my family puts on Elf or the Santa Clause. Christmas is meant to be mysterious and magical. It's sort of like the points Tolkien made in On Fairy Stories. I'm glad you mentioned Rise of the Guardians, because that seemed surprisingly good for a modern Christmas movie I thought. Somehow I always agree with all your points.
I absolutly loved this. You captured in simple words what I feel about christmas or fantasy in general. I wish I had more friends like You so I could spend more time on discussting topics such as You do. And also I love the Harry Potter soundtrack "Christmas at Hogworts". It captured this spooky and magical way of christmas.
Oh wow, I am not the only person to feel this way?! It took me a long time to really put my finger on what is bothering me with Christmas in pop culture, but it happened eventually when I watched The Night Before Christmas last year. Like, THAT was a pretty perfect Christmas movie. It had everything. A witch, a demon, a blacksmith who outwits the demon, a ridiculous quest his toxic love interest sends him on to prove his love for her, and some weird subplot with people getting stuck in sacks. They quite literately don't make movies like this anymore. These days it's all either "Christmas magic!! You have to believe in Santa!!! Your life isn't worth living if you don't!! Isn't it sad how adults don't believe in Santa anymore!!!" (for children) or "Strong independent businesswoman falls in love with some random guy who teaches her the true meaning of Christmas, which is, eh, sparkly lights and throwing a big party for the neighbors" (for adults). Both of these types of stories are so bad and toxic for different reasons, and I hate them both so much, and I got told off just this week by my sister for "not letting people enjoy their happy movies". A thing that I noticed while thinking about Christmas Special episodes of TV I like is that the best of them somehow always feature death and grief as a theme. Either because one of the characters is mourning someone close to them who died recently in the series (Last Christmas of Doctor Who or Beebo the God of War in Legends of Tomorrow), or just the reminder of how short all our lives are, and if we don't treasure it now, it will be gone before we realize (again, Last Christmas of Doctor Who, Christmas Story of The Lone Ranger). Death is just such an important part of this time of year. TL;DR: BRING BACK THE GHOSTS!!
yes I am stupid for uploading this late on Christmas Eve, if you're actually watching this now then wow thanks you're the best, also I know the thumbnail is from a different video I forgot to pose for one GOD.
k now leave me alone merry christmas.
All of life is an opportunity to grow through successive iteration. Kaizen life, just read a mention of it in Betty Edwards’ Drawing on the Dominant Eye & Dustin Brown frequently asks that we be kind of our progression. In this case you are exercising TH-cam as a practice NOT PERFECTION.
Cheers for the early Christmas present!
Right around lunchtime in the US/Canada seems like a solid time to schedule a video
Merry christmas Galatea!
Thank you for the gift and Merry Christmas !
I think C.S. Lewis' rendition of Father Christmas is one of my favourites. His gifts are insightful and purposeful, he gifts a sword to Peter for him to stand up to the witch and lead the armies of Aslan, a bow to Susan to help support Peter in the great war, and a vial of some healing potion to Lucy for the healing of Narnia after the war (and also to heal Edmund). He is a wise spirit indeed though it has been some time since I read the whole series.
It's a brief appearance but definitely a memorable one for sure!
Another great Father Christmas/Santa Clause type is Death as the Hogfather in Terry Pratchett's Discworld saga.
Yes!!!
I always dreamt of being gifted a sword.
I love everything about this! And I really agree with the point about children's literature. There's a quote from C. S. Lewis... "A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest." And as a writer of middle-grade, I really appreciate this. There's a mystery and a wonder to children's stories that I think is really important, and we need to get back to that.
"He's an adult. He drinks whiskey like a man." New favorite quote.
I admire your passion, and that you stick to your values. Given how you described your grandfather I suspect he would be very proud to have this video dedicated to him. Merry Christmas, Galatea.
thanks so much, merry Christmas!
"And we don't worship gnomes."
Well NOW I'm wondering if you worshipped gnomes. I wasn't before.
only on a full moon
Sensible. I will reserve judgment for now.
I don't worship gnomes either. Honest.
I see a lot of people saying they hate christmas and I think I just realized why. They have really awful expectations. They have this image in their heads of everything being perfect like in commercials and everyone being happy when in reality, sometimes your year is so bad that you do not have the money for decorations and presents. Sometimes you can't afford it and instead of using this time in the right way, you spend it resenting how it doesn't fit your expectations.
I think the best example of what Christmas is and how important it is is WW1. 1914 was a terrible year, with many people dying but still in many places soldiers from opposite sides spend christmas giving each other presents, playing football and singing, doing this against the will of their superiors. German with French and Brittish and Scotts. And, what I found hearwarming as a polish person, on some fronts where polish people were forced to fight against eachother (one side for Austria and the other for Russia, becouse Poland was currently occupied) they started signing polish christmas carols and the other side answered. It's so sad and tragic on one side, knowing that they were forced to kill each other 2 days later but so beautiful on the other. Small pause in this terrible time. And seeing that among the enemy there are actual people, not monsters.
now this is a feel good story you rarely here in these perma sarcastic and cynicism poisoned times of decay and apathy.
"The poor little match-girl dying in the snow is all part of the spirit of Hogswatch Master. You see people hear about it and say, 'Well we might be as poor as a disabled banana and only can afford to eat mud and boots, but see how much better off we are than the poor little match-girl.' So that makes them happy and grateful for what they have got."
I KNOW WHAT THE SPIRIT OF HOGSWATCH IS ALBERT. --Death touches the hourglass, reversing the flow of sand, in-view the match-girl takes a shuddering breath.
"You're not allowed to do that", Albert whispered
THE HOGFATHER CAN. THE HOGFATHER GIVES PRESENTS. THERE'S NO BETTER PRESENT THAN A FUTURE. ― Death ― The Hogfather
And some people just hate Christmas because they are born on it, constantly get forgotten by everyone and the holiday became a symbol of how only a few people actually bother to think about you, and thus realizing from an early age that what people WANT from XMAS is presents and a good dinner with their family and friends, not actually the spirit itself- which is showing people they care about one another and to celebrate whatever brings them light.
Once you discover that historians actually said that from the entire story about Jesus birth, most of the evidence actually suggests he was born in September and that its speculated they moved it to December because various pagan beliefs had traditions such as Yule around late December because the 21st is the longest night, and that factually your birthday was ruined by a religious agenda, XMAS become days to be hated.
Sincerely, someone born on XMAS EVE, and from what I've heard of the people born on one of the three XMAS days, I'm far from the only XMAS baby who hates XMAS.
I mean there is also the force expectation of children to perform in a holiday where they pretend to be polite to estranged family members who break their boundaries. Not everyone hates Christmas because it's not like the commercials. I grew up repeatedly with my boundaries violated, forced to hug, and accept kisses from family members who I didn't know and felt like strangers. That in itself is traumatic.
@@spacedinosaur8733 one of the few "christmas" stories I actually like.
Thank you for pin pointing the kind of Christmas I want to celebrate in my heart vs. the commercial bullshit we’re being fed.
Re: posting letters to Santa! As an alternative, I remember my mum would tell me to leave my letter on the window ledge. She said Santa was magic, and it would take a few days for him to notice, but soon he would come and collect it. Don’t know how she had the patience to wait out and play pretend, but it was a magical little tradition and I greatly appreciate it now.
Have a warm and peaceful celebration with your family!
so nice to hear from you! Your mum's tradition sounds awesome and very magical, I love it when parents really get in the Christmas spirit. I hope you had a lovely Christmas :)
Girl when you said “we hate watching movies with you.“ I truly felt that one in my bones. My friends and family don’t like watching movies with me either. I rip the films to shreds and it pisses them off I suppose. 😂😂😂 great to see another video from you Galatea!
First let me say my condolences. Even though it wasn't the most recent events it is very difficult to lose someone you love. This is my first Christmas without my mother, and her motto was also where there's a will there's a way. Not going to lie kind of teared up on that. But in a good way.
Secondly, you've given me a lot to think about which is a wonderful Christmas present. I would have never considered that Santa and Gandalf are similar archetypes oh, but you made a compelling argument. Thank you and have a wonderful rest of your holiday season
I'm so sorry for your loss. Peace to you, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Again, thank you.
I adore many adaptations of A Christmas Carol as well as It's a Wonderful Life, but otherwise am very choosy with my Christmas entertainment choices. However, one of my newer, all time favorites is the Oscar nominated "Klaus" on Netflix. I feel that it captures the spirit of Christmas well without a hint of commercialism.
I'm watching that for the first time now!
I always watched the Mickey Mouse version when I was a kid
Same here! It's a beautiful underrated gem in this world
Plus Norm MacDonald is in Klaus, which is no bad thing.
My favorite is Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather" from 2006
The best Santa's grotto I ever went to, they had an actual old man with a long beard, and he'd sit in a log cabin with evergreens everywhere, and instead of asking what you wanted, he'd ask your name, them give you a present which, when you opened it, it would be like a little preview from your Christmas list that you hadn't sent yet (like, if you asked for a dog, he'd give you a toy dog).
I found put later, that this particular grotto had a prebooking system with a form to fill out, but as a little kid, I thought it was actually magic.
Hilarious and insightful as always! As someone from the orthodox Christian and Slavic part of the world, it's genuinely baffling and even a little off-putting to see how comercialised the American perception of Christmas is. We celebrate Christmas on the 7th January (Julian calendar) and we get presents for New Year's Eve -- there's a long answer as to why, the short answer is because of the Communist regime which was in place for the most of the 20th century.
But honestly, I think it might be better that way. It means Christmas is a time of reflection and gratitude for your family and your health (and mild fire hazard as we ritually burn oak branches), and we leave the rampant consumerism for New year's Eve
“He’s an adult. He drinks whiskey like a man.”
Well, that explains why we left out whiskey and salty snacks for Santa when I was a kid.
Your sentiment about how children's literature and media should have more work and love put into it is exactly how I feel. My family's never done the Santa thing, but I love the idea of a spooky and fantastical vibe for Christmas instead of the commercialism or the lack of any concrete emotion or feeling, the way it's been in my house. A strong, caring, fierce, jolly, sacrificing, protective warrior is only right for symbols of Christmas
Your grandfather sounds formidable. I shed some tears of happyness for you to have had such a great grandfather. Thanks for your video on christmas you gave me a bit of christmas feeling on a day where nothing around me felt like the day I rememberd when I was still a child. I love your videos and I always take care to really listen to them, not just consuming.
I highly recommend these American Christmas movies, full of good cheer:
- Gremlins
- A Nightmare Before Christmas
- Bad Santa
- Christmas Vacation
Having kids write a letter and then burn it not only makes perfect sense for communicating with a magical being, but if you all have to sing some special (not not cheesy) song while doing it so the smoke knows where to go, it's also wonderfully pagan and ritualistic which is something that kids love.
The 80s-90s changed everything. The tearing down of all the cheesy, sentimental family value TV shows. Now we're just desperately clinging to whatever tad bit of sentiment and nostalgia that hasn't been bastardized by Hollywood & marketing groups.
A fond thank you for making this video. Maybe I’m extremely uneducated, but I have honestly never heard of “Father Christmas” described in the magical way you depicted. It beats the crap out of the commercial Santa Clause I grew up with, and I’m glad to have learned of such a beautiful symbol of Christmas I can reflect on. Also, thank you for sharing the memory of your grandfather with us as well! He sounds like he was a good man.
My 7yo daughter was having so much second hand embarrassment watching Elf that she asked me to turn it off.
I dont think it was ment to be for 7yo children, though
She has excellent taste
I'll be honest, I like Elf, but can definitely understand why others wouldn't. It's a 2000s comedy of which its tropes have been overused to death ever since, which can make returning to these older movies of this period harder to watch, at least for me. Then again, I only enjoyed Will Ferrell in one other film and that was the Lego Movie. Overall, Christmas films were not a big part of my childhood (mostly cause my family didn't really celebrate the holiday for various factors), but the few I did see (like Home Alone, Elf, A Muppet's Christmas Carol to name a few) made a pretty good balance between showcasing the holiday and the mystical elements that draw many to celebrate them, whilst highlighting the pros and cons that come with it. Which is what is arguably missing in most holidays films in general these days as you touch on with your video. Whether about Christmas, Halloween, or other.
"Merlin in the legends was no teddy bear" - Galatea.
There's a t-shirt idea in there, somewhere. XD
Thank you for voicing how I feel about a lot of Christmas films (my mum and my brother don't get why I find the films so irritating). And I'm glad you brought up Rise of the Guardians as that's one of the only versions of father christmas that I actually like (and I love that film).
You truly have one of the best channels on youtube. Criminally underrated. This was another fantastic video.
I agree, this idea that something can be stupid and low quality just because it's for children is insulting to children and to their intelligence. Their formative years are so important and their views on the world are shaped at this stage. When did we value childhood and learning so lowly? It's about time Christmas was reclaimed from these godless and selfish individuals who have turned it into a holiday for consumerism instead of family, love and belonging.
"to have a little courage and to always be, when necessary, warm-heartedly defiant, nobly disobedient, and honorably rebellious." Love this.
In Italy we have Befana, personification of the Epiphany on the 6th of January, she is an old lady and we left her wine, bread, cheese and salami. She brings sweets to good good children.
Now days she fighting a defensive battle to survive, since all these movies have cemented even here the popularity of the americanised version of Father Christmas.
"He drinks whisky, like a man!" Got a hard chuckle out of me, thank You. Still, despite having like 11 bottles of whisky stored I enjoy cookies and milk much more, I always found that tradition relatable. Also kids usually dont have an access to hard liquor when preparing a meal for Santa
We always left out a glass of sherry and a mince pie for Father Christmas and a carrot for Rudolph.
You reminded me of a statement by Roald Dahl about how adult fiction may become a bestseller but a good children's book will be read for generations upon generations.
I thought there must've been something wrong with me for hating the movie Elf when everyone else I know seems to love it, so reassuring to hear that someone else hates it too XD
I never understood the hype
@@angelicsailor1st Ikr?
Will Feral (yes, I spell it like that) made a career about being a man-child. It is okay to hate men-children.
@@angelicsailor1st me neither
Same with Klaus. Completely rips the magic away from the myth it's horrible... And this is aimed towards kids!
I'll fight anybody badmouthing Arthur Christmas, Elf I can let that pass but Arthur Christmas, OH NO. I will also fight anyone objecting to Mrs. Claus existence based solely on the fact we had a charming film about Mrs. Claus starring the phenomenal Angela Lansbury.
Your grandfather sounds an admirable man. The way you described him made me think of the men Tolkien writes - Éomer, Faramir, Aragorn and Húrin. They have that same blend of deep joy in what is good and fierce unyielding protectiveness against what is evil in the world. You’re very right to call that a positive masculinity, I think.
I’ll be thinking on this for a while now - thank you.
"You must be fierce to keep out the dark" that is going in my book of quotes
As an American who despises Christmas movies...I was born ready for this. 😎Go off, girl! (I know other people love Christmas movies, and that's totally fine. I just don't enjoy them)
When I was a kid I loved the part in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe where Father Christmas came. His arrival was the first sign the Witch's power was waning, and it really made an impression on me when I was really young. Even though I live in the US, we always had a more Old World style Christmas and it was really magical. I really loved this video and thank you for the story about your grandfather. He sounds amazing
On the one hand, I'd love to see your opinion on Klaus and whether I'm right in thinking it's a great Christmas movie, on the other, reviewing Santa Inc would create a rant of such biblical proportions the likes of which are unlikely to ever be seen again.
21:24. Could have fooled me. Also, Spiral you say? Like Spiral/Uzumaki (Junji Ito) (2000)? You're gonna make me watch for all kinds of connections now, aren't you? :P
It's indirectly the fault of the dutch who migrated to America and merged father Christmas with Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of children who brings gifts to children on December 6th (for us Belgians) and December 5th (for the Dutch). Turning basically Odin into a version of a Byzantine bisschop, while abandoning the religious context absolutely murdered the magic indeed.
Honestly, I would happily welcome a Santa Claus origin story where he starts off as an unbeatable warrior, and slowly transcends to the magical, fatherly saint of generosity. Dang it, Galatea I want this sort of movie now! Make Christmas Spooky and Mysterious Again!
"He drinks whisky, like a man!"
I love this woman. Here's a glass to you.
This was a great if slightly mad video and your fondness for your grandfather reaally comes through.
I agree with you that someone is never forgotten if some small aspect of their character or values influences those around them who in turn take on some of that and pass it on themselves.
When you were talking about the description of the room with the Ghost of Christmas present from A Christmas Carol it reminded me of the scene from Scrooge, the 1970 musical, when he appears to Scrooge. It's so bright in the room that the door is glowing and when he goes in not only is the feast magnificent looking but even the music adds to the grandeur. that's one of my favorite Christmas movies. Merry Christmas from Las Vegas where the only mystery during the December is how we didn't die during the Summer from the heat.
14:54 "do people know we don't have to make everything relatable?" that's a great point. I instantly thought about superhero movies nowadays. I think thats the main reason I don't like to watch them anymore
I actually am reading the deathly hallows book today and I got to the part where Harry has one more conversation with Dumbledore about death. This video is insanely timely, galatea!! 😄
Klaus was a real treat in terms of christmas movies. Beautiful story, animation and that ending, dude! Enough to make a grown man cry
Edit: MERRY FUCKING CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY. Hope everyone is fine, stay safe and here's to a better safer New year
The eulogy part and ever time you brought up your grandfather really resonated.
I think you honour him well in your life and your opinions. That closing line was phenomenal.
On the Santa / Father Christmas front, I managed to avoid the commercialized Santa almost entirely and Narnia was my exposure to Father Christmas. I'm North American, but I think if I have kids I will end up raising them with the Father Christmas mythology rather than the commercialized powered down Santa. I'll be looking at more of the associated media and lore mentioned here. I think any children of mine would enjoy that lore much more than the mall Santa version of Christmas.
Thank you for this gift ❤
I teared up at the eulogy at the end. Well-spoken.
I appreciate the longer pauses when you have text on screen. I'm always multitasking when I watch, so that helps me actually get to read it!
I absolutely was intrigued by this video! You really made me think about the legend of Santa in a whole new light!
Stumbled across your channel, and I am so thankful. You and your subscribers in the comments sections have helped me feel like I’m not alone. Especially over on the desecration of femininity video. I’m an American classical liberal leaning conservative with a background of general American secular childhood. I’m highly creative and even though the conservative community I’m a part of is vast there are very, very few creative people and essentially none of them are women. It makes building friendships very difficult and I always feel like I’m some weird spectacle to conservatives due to my creative/openness. But, I also feel the same way with more liberal types due to my values
I loved your point about how Father Christmas transcends just Christianity and has roots in many different old traditions. This time of year you constantly see Christian Vs pagan discourse about whether Christmas is REALLY Christian or pagan and it truly misses the point because it's both and neither. It belongs to everyone. There are so many synchronicities for a reason- it's the perennial tradition remaining in the modern world. Same with Easter.
This was a great video. Ive never really felt the magic of Christmas, everything I see about it just sucks out the romance of the tradition. Almost like you do it just because you're supposed to not because you feel something for it. I appreciate your video, it makes me rethink how I want to do any holiday with my children
You laid out exactly why I hate Christmas movies. I was really beginning to think I was the only one. Father Christmas in Narnia was a really great representation, I think.
I just explained to my daughter the difference between being nice and being kind last night!! I told her she needed to be kind and not nice.
A few words on the history of Santa Claus in America: His modern appearance is NOT the result of a Coca Cola campaign. They did coopt the look for that campaign but they didn't create it, they were drawing on the work of artist Thomas Nast, who became famous for his Christmas illustrations during the American Civil War. His Santa dressed in red, and was entirely portrayed as a jolly gift giver with many of his harsher aspects cut out. He didn't even give out coal, as I recall. These illustrations, in turn, were heavily influenced by the time period.
Winter was and is the time between campaigns, as armies can't really fight in the snow. At the same time it is generally a time of community togetherness yet most of the men of the nation were in one of the two warring armies, far from their families, if they lived at all. There was no need for stories to remind you of the darker things in life. There was a great need for something to remind people that the good things would come back once again. For better or worse Nast met that need and continued to provide that look at Santa and the whole season for the rest of his life.
His name is pretty much forgotten now but in his day Nast was the meme king of popular illustration. On top of Santa he's credited with branding the Republicans with their elephant and cementing the Democrats with their donkey. He contributed to toppling one of the most powerful political corruption rings in the nation and never backed a national Presidential candidate who lost. So maybe it's unsurprising that he created an idea of the character that endured. That portrayal was heavily shaped by the time it came from and probably isn't relevant to the modern day, to be sure, but I'd say that has more to do with the modern hunger for comfort over adversity than the portrayal itself.
That is not true either though! The look is losely based off of Sinterklaas, hence the name Santa Claus. It's a Dutch tradition that shares similarities with XMAS, and in the colonial days, people thought Sinterklaas was our version of XMAS whilst it's an entirely different tradition. However, as they thought it was our version of XMAS, various things of our tradition got copied by other settlers. One of these things is the story of Father Christmas being Saint Nicholas of Myra which is where the red outfit comes from (religious red, like cardinals wear. I didn't study history, I just like it so I don't exactly know the earliest depiction, but I've seen 16th century art where he was already wearing his signature red).
@@inferiorinferno8859 I think you've missed the point of my comment. Nast was more likely to draw on a German tradition of Father Christmas than the American one, as he was German born and not overly familiar with the American tradition when he started his famous illustrations. My point is he stripped out a lot of the darker elements like punishing bad kids or the harshness of winter, while cementing the iconic cap and suit over other outfits like robes and a miter. There are also plenty of instances of American takes on Father Christmas in other colors before and after Nast, but he certainly weighted elements heavily towards the red end of the spectrum. I'm not saying there weren't other traditions or influences that shaped our understanding of the character from history, just that the modern look isn't primarily funneled through a Coca Cola ad but rather the societal pressures of the mid 19th century and the work of a well known illustrator of that time.
This is sort of why the dominance of American media in the west at large isn't quite as wonderful as some may think. Everyone sees our movies, but has no damned clue of where many of these tropes come from. The Brits would likely have as much understanding of the American Civil War as an American would have for, say, the war for Irish independence. We offer a broad window into our culture that's more than a bit foggy.
I only watch the classics on Christmas- Shaun the sheep special, Muppets or similar stuff. Well written yet simple stuff for kids usually manages to capture the christmas spirit while being free from any other messages being forced down audience's throats. For christmas I dont need anything complex, a Paddington movie is like the peak complexity for that time of the year
The fact that you referenced The Hogfather warms my cold heart deeply. Not only is it a very good interpretation of the book (in my opinion), it is also the ultimate Christmas film/series in my household because of the magic and darkness it represents. The speech Death gives at the end to Susan makes me tear up without fail every single time. “Show me one atom of justice, one molecule of mercy” resonates with me on a spiritual level.
And yes, I am aware it’s the middle of January… but the Christmas spirit lives on and your video, as always, is brilliant.
Great video. It's the perfect companion to Christmas since it actually manages to embody the feel-good side of the holiday, as you casually move between a very personal place with the stories of your grandfather to your overview of the mythological progression of Christmas throughout history and to its less than ideal modern state. There's a warm message here that shines through your warranted weariness for what the holiday has become. Thanks for putting this together. Merry Christmas.
Damn, got some reeeeeal nerve going at Elf that hard...
This was fantastic! This video really revealed something to me that I didn't realize was missing. I truly enjoyed watching the whole thing and feel like you presented your position very well.
Honestly, I'm not at all surprised that you're a fellow Waldorf kid. I was one too and while my family aren't exactly anthroposophists, Waldorf school just shapes people in a certain way regardless of personal philosophy. The way you always tend to speak of fiction in your videos has always felt very... familiar to me, in a way? And I could never pinpoint why, until you mentioned the Waldorf school thing. And then I realized! Lol, it's pretty funny. Definitely agreed on the advent celebrations too, those were always a magical experience.
I sadly didn't have a grandpa growing up, and I always felt like I missed out as a result. Especially since I unfortunately didn't get along too well with my grandma. Oh well, such is life. I'm happy you had such great memories of yours though! No I'm not envious at all, what are you talking about??
haha I always love meeting other Steiner kids, no matter where in the world they're from there's such a shared cultural experience that its kind of like we all grew up together, weirdly, if that makes sense. I love the amount of common ground. Hope you had a magical Christmas!
If I didn't already love you, I would love you for this. Please feel free to do some more vids on the subject of horrible cringy films that actually suck the life and meaning out of the things/events they are based around. There are unnumbered films that should have been a 30 second skit but somehow ended-up being 90 minute cringe-fests.
I just realized i always subconsciously avoided all of this christmas movies. Like i always just look/scroll past them, just ignoring their existence.
This is one of my favorite videos. I come back and watch every couple of months.
I used to hate the idea of Santa Clause, but watching this video makes me feel nostalgic for something I’ve never even liked.
I’m here in July for some reason. The bits about your Granddad were my favorites in the video. Lovely. Good video. Now I have some new Christmas movies to recommend to the family to watch this year, thanks!
Your uploads are always worth the wait. One of the best channels on TH-cam.
I'd say Peter Capaldi's Doctor grows into an even more Father Christmas-like figure than Tennant's Doctor. Great video!
I just discovered this channel yesterday.
Having binged several videos already (this being the latest) I can say I am a big fan.
Bloody marvelous.
This video was a gift indeed, your point is relevant. I had forgotten a lot about the original Christmas myth that I had read so long ago. Keep fighting the fight! Merry Christmas!
After my silly comment below, I simply have to say you are spot on at every level here. You brought me to tears several times.
24:38 Completely correct. "Nice" is arguably more of a vice than a virtue.
Your thoughts and observations about niceness vs kindness are very much aligned with my own. Niceness is a smokescreen, a facade, a means of duping people into trusting you or, in an conflict, duping the people around you (most people cannot see through smokescreens after all) into thinking you're the good party when you may actually be the villain of the piece. There may be some circumstances where niceness, as a tool, is not used for ill but most of the time I just see it as a massive red flag.
Kindness is genuine, and not always nice. Kindness is taking the time to figure out what is in the best interests of that other person and doing it or empowering them to do it, even if takes a kick up the rectum. Kindness is pure hearted as well, whereas niceness tends to be manipulative. Nice people tend to be well-liked because their aim is to be well-liked (even if they are cruel, deceptive people beneath the facade of niceness) and their whole game is tricking people into liking them whereas kind people to be more polarising as they have genuine morals guiding them which means they will either be loved by some, hated by others (maybe even most), particularly since kind people will bare their fangs to defend what is moral and to fight what is immoral. Kindness is sensitivity decked in armour, with a sword.
Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice is a good example of a kind character that isn't nice. He is hated by most because of this, but his actions (particularly in saving her family's reputation) are driven by a pure-hearted kindness to Elizabeth and he is also loved by his housekeeper and those who know him closely.
What you describe in regards to healthy masculinity, and specifically your grandfather's outlook and general disposition, reminds me of the biblical idea of 'meekness.' From what I have heard, the ancient world in Jesus' time thought of meekness (as referenced in the Beatitudes) to include an analogy of a mighty warhorse with reins that guide its strength. You have power- danger even- but it is restrained and under control, only coming out to fight the monsters that seek to destroy us, whether internal threats to our soul or external threats to our bodies. To be meek is not weak, but the very definition of masculine. As an American, I also despise the corporate marketization of Christmas that has sterilized any semblance of meaning from the holiday. I love your description of your grandfather and some of his heroic exploits. Thank you for sharing! Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!
Your perspective on things is fascinating. Maybe it's due to being American, and thus being inundated with the Coca Cola version of Santa Claus for all my life, but none of this had ever occurred to me. Also, I whole heartedly agree about the Santa tracker and such, I would just as soon have companies, media figures and the like never mention Santa at all, it doesn't feel like they are participating in the Christmas spirit, it feels like they are being dishonest and trying to get one over on the kids that believe.
There's a lot I'd like to say, but I don't think it's all willing to become words right now, so I'll stick to this: This was a touching tribute to your grandfather, an absolutely brilliant examination of the archetype of Father Christmas, and now I have some sort of idea buzzing in the back of my head about life and light in winter that I need to go form into a story. Thank you and merry Christmas
Wow. What a refreshing, and frankly beautiful video. I found the way you spoke of your Granddad really quite touching, and your thoughts on the awful commercialisation/Americanisation of Christmas and Father Christmas, on the absolute importance of magic, myth, mystery, and some edge to him, to just be spot on. Also totally with you on the incredible power of children’s literature. Thanks for this.
Considering “Santa Claus” is based off of St Nicholas who was a Catholic bishop, he would not have even had a wife, so I’m totally with you on Mrs Claus
Your detailed break down is always amazing to witness very inspiring for a small creator
Glad to see you back. Happy Christmas.
Thank you for this video. Not only was it insightful about Christmas and the commercialization of it but it was incredible touching to hear about your granddad.
Just finished. Thank you for this video, Galatea. Merry fierce Christmas to you and yours.
Insanely good video, really heartwarming, it’s hit on something I haven’t managed to get before.
The grandfather part has me tearing up. He sounds like a wonderful man.
Thank you
Merry Christmas
Courage.
Love
Defiance!
This was really nice. I think my favorite Christmas story is The Nutcracker. Would be curious to hear your thoughts on that one.
I really enjoy how you express your thoughts in such a beautiful and engaging way. Love this video
White Christmas is the weirdest movie I have ever watched.
Your grandfather sounded like a great man. I'm sure he'd love your tribute to him. I'd love to hear your opinions about David Lowery's The Green Knight movie.
Thank you for the video, I really enjoyed it. I share your frustration on what Christmas is today, it's like every celebration became an excuse to buy, buy, buy. And I appreciated your stories about your grandfather, your words about him brought tears to my eyes. Happy holidays! :)
I am fairly bad at comments, but I just want to say that I agree with you on the cringe that Christmas has become and it saddens me deeply as well. I can't say I've had a role model like your granddad myself unfortunately, but listening to you describing him made me cry several times and over all I am grateful you made this video. I am also curious what you think about the animated film Klaus that came out 2019.
Thank you for sharing about your grandfather. I think I would have enjoyed the opportunity to meet him, and through you I have.
I agree very much. I always hate when my family puts on Elf or the Santa Clause. Christmas is meant to be mysterious and magical. It's sort of like the points Tolkien made in On Fairy Stories. I'm glad you mentioned Rise of the Guardians, because that seemed surprisingly good for a modern Christmas movie I thought. Somehow I always agree with all your points.
Merry Christmas! I’m glad your still giving it a shot! I enjoy your videos!
I absolutly loved this. You captured in simple words what I feel about christmas or fantasy in general. I wish I had more friends like You so I could spend more time on discussting topics such as You do.
And also I love the Harry Potter soundtrack "Christmas at Hogworts". It captured this spooky and magical way of christmas.
You have a great deal of wisdom to share! I hope you will do a video about the difference between niceness and goodness.
I love your take and hope we can move a little more to the other-worldly roots of the season... something a little more worthy of believing in.
Oh no I really feel for the wardrobe malfunction... and hi yes I'll have a video of yours all day any day!!!
Oh wow, I am not the only person to feel this way?! It took me a long time to really put my finger on what is bothering me with Christmas in pop culture, but it happened eventually when I watched The Night Before Christmas last year. Like, THAT was a pretty perfect Christmas movie. It had everything. A witch, a demon, a blacksmith who outwits the demon, a ridiculous quest his toxic love interest sends him on to prove his love for her, and some weird subplot with people getting stuck in sacks. They quite literately don't make movies like this anymore. These days it's all either "Christmas magic!! You have to believe in Santa!!! Your life isn't worth living if you don't!! Isn't it sad how adults don't believe in Santa anymore!!!" (for children) or "Strong independent businesswoman falls in love with some random guy who teaches her the true meaning of Christmas, which is, eh, sparkly lights and throwing a big party for the neighbors" (for adults). Both of these types of stories are so bad and toxic for different reasons, and I hate them both so much, and I got told off just this week by my sister for "not letting people enjoy their happy movies".
A thing that I noticed while thinking about Christmas Special episodes of TV I like is that the best of them somehow always feature death and grief as a theme. Either because one of the characters is mourning someone close to them who died recently in the series (Last Christmas of Doctor Who or Beebo the God of War in Legends of Tomorrow), or just the reminder of how short all our lives are, and if we don't treasure it now, it will be gone before we realize (again, Last Christmas of Doctor Who, Christmas Story of The Lone Ranger). Death is just such an important part of this time of year.
TL;DR: BRING BACK THE GHOSTS!!
oooh i like the burn-the-letter idea! when i was a kid, we would always put it behind the window