Is it just me, or is anyone else feeling extra jolly this year?! I’m not a grinch year in year out, but I’m not usually this engrossed into the Holiday spirit! I have watched more holiday movies, added more decorations, and spent way more on presents than in years past. Perhaps it’s because last year wasn’t the best of years, to put it lightly. Regardless, I’m incredibly thankful for my family and friends staying healthy throughout the pandemic which has translated into a happier and merrier holiday season!
I wanted to share a couple anecdotes inspired by this post by Flynn’s Gaming, a super cool arcade in Margate, FL, about the symbiotic relationship between the joy of the Holiday season and video games. Gaming and holidays walk down the sidewalk in perfect harmony. They are the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Batman and Robin fighting crime, and Mario and Luigi traversing pipes and jumping on troublesome turtles.
Video games and consoles are released at a higher rate during the holiday season for a reason. Millions of new consoles and games are gifted to wanting children and adults all over the world. Game companies target their game and console releases around this time of year for that reason, obviously. Although I do not have children of my own, I have been the joyous recipient of three new Christmas consoles.
Opening a Nintendo 64 during the holiday season of 1996 is a legendary example of Christmas fun. My reaction to opening one was not much different than the child in the video. I ripped open the wrapping paper to see the “NINTENDO 64” splayed on the side of the box and went berserk over finally having my first game console. That N64 is currently displayed in my game room and still works to this day. I love that console!
While writing this post, I happened to look up the Christmas commercial for the Nintendo 64. It’s GOLD.
I completely forgot about that! So funny! Old school gaming commercials were equal parts terrible and hilarious.
The year 2000 brought us gamers a revolutionary masterpiece of graphics known as the Playstation 2. It was the absolute pinnacle of Christmas presents for any child.
My reaction to opening a Playstation 2 on Christmas morning was similar to my Nintendo 64 opening barring one difference. I was old enough to appreciate the advances in graphics from the previous generation’s games and my parents heard ALL about it. I ran up and down the stairs countless times to give a live demonstrations of the “perfect” graphics of the PS2 to my parents. They begrudgingly listened to my ranting and ravings for days afterwards.
The point is, those moments last forever. It’s why the old adage of gift giving being better than receiving rings true. Seeing someone’s face light up like the Christmas tree is priceless. It is why I love coming up with gift ideas for those I care about.
My memory isn’t what it used to be, but I will remember opening both of those consoles forever. And it’s not because of how expensive they were, but because of the moment created by gifting the perfect gift. Even if it’s five dollars.
It’s the thought that counts.
Which brings me to my third example of Video Game console receiving. This one’s fresh in the timeline from 2020. The year of the pandemic brought two brand new consoles into the world: PS5 and Xbox Series. Both consoles have unfortunately evaded wanting buyers to this day. The tenacity needed to fight online bots and millions of consumers reminds me of a fantastic movie I just recently re-watched, Jingle All the Way.
And just like Arnold, I almost gave up and accepted my fate of needing to wait.
Fate had other plans because Christmas morning arrived and, lo and behold, I opened a new Xbox. The look on my face as I ripped open the wrapping paper must have mimicked the awestruck look I had as a child. It’s been a long time since I’ve been happily blindsided by a present!
Apparently my Mother-in-law, Brother-in-law, and beautiful Wife coordinated the entire acquisition. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to open a new console that morning. Talk about making someone feel like a kid again! I’m incredibly thankful to have a loving family that cares! It’s a luxury not granted to all, but it’s one I’m grateful for.
It’s the week of Christmas and I wanted to take a second to thank my family for all the wonderful holiday memories! This post really brought back some of my best holiday moments as a child (and adult) and that’s really what the Holidays are about. Creating lifetime memories with the people you care about.
…and Video Games
[…] The amazing thing about difficult times in one’s life is the lessons they teach. Rereading my holiday post from last year inspired me to reflect on Christmases past, which then snowballed into reflecting on all of 2022. […]