How Memories of a Donut, an Elephant, and Softly Singing Filled My Stocking with Joy and Made My Candles Burn Even Brighter!

Professor Joe Goldblatt

As 2024 draws to a close, I am more aware than ever before that the world, and that includes my own universe of family and friends, has much to be grateful for despite all the global challenges we have faced.

For example, whilst shopping today I saw donuts that once sold for fifty pence now offered to me for £3.95 each. Funny, since its invention, nothing has changed about the donut, accept its price. As I looked through the window and flirted with purchasing this culinary treasure I thought, as my father, a product of the 1920 depression often said “Don’t need it!” My life is sweet enough without this small addition.

Just yesterday I attended a musical concert of Christmas carols and I thought about when I was in college and needed two final credits in order to graduate. James Morgan, the choral instructor, he knew that it was unlikely that I would learn to sing on key and instead of embarassing me, he found a way for me to participate and ultimately graduate.

I also remember that Christmas morning when a large and long lorry (truck) with the words “Gil Gray International Circus” written in giant letters on the side slowly pulled up in front of my home. My Papa said “Joe, you said you wanted an elephant for Christmas, well here it is!” We walked out into the front garden and were soon joined by 200 neighbours as the animal trainer led a live baby elephant over to me so we could get acquainted. A few minutes later Papa said “Our little friend now has to go back to the circus where you and I will see her perform next week.” Then he placed in my small hands a brightly wrapped package that upon opening I discovered contained a mechanical toy elephant who would walk slowly each time I wound his wee tail. That small gray plastic elephant was my pal for a long time and the memory of the live elephant is now eternal.

As I look back upon all the challenges of the past year, I now know that within each future drama there is the potential for even greater sweetness, kindness, and serendipitious joy similar to those I have experienced in years past. I am ready to embrace future challenges because I know that behind each new drama the is also the opportunity to discover greater joy and happiness in my world.

Therefore, as I light my first Chanukah candle on 25 December 2024 I shall think about the miracle of faith and religious freedom that this ancient Jewish festival celebrates and then my thoughts will turn to the light before me that is a constant reminder of the opportunity to have faith and look for brightness and beauty in the faces of friends, family, and even strangers who may just be the future bearers, like the wise men in the Nativity story. They shall bring me so many priceless memories andthese future gifts will continue to fill my heart with joy.

I hope you have a joyous and memorable festive season and a bright and peaceful new year.

Professor Joe Goldblatt is Emeritus Professor of Planned Events at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. His views are his own. For more information about his views visit www.joegoldblatt.scot

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