Making It Up for the Holidays

What to do about and learn from fictional dads and the holidays?

Are they best celebrated as with Jimmy Stewart, father lost-then-found George Bailey, in "It's a Wonderful Life?" Should one both mock their person but celebrate their wisdom as is the norm for Jerry Stiller and his portrayal of Frank Costanza in the television episode that sparked worldwide observances of Festivus — the seasonal and occasionally controversial anti-celebration? Or, should we honor them with fear as some do with the Russian Father Frost ... the government controlled benevolent gift giver that is not — definitely not by state fiat or else the government may want to talk about it with you — the same as Father Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho Ded Moroz (or else, I believe).

Or are all dads real and fictional. Much like a day skiing with Things 1 and 2 that mixes both despair (the brand new expensive glove lost before the lift ticket is purchased) with redemption (glove found) with near-tear fear (the ice gleaming steep slope) with the sense of accomplishment that will come sometime to replace relief (the Things brilliant conquering and sense that they can do even more)? You praise, bully, support and lead. Sometimes you mean it; often because it's the right thing to do. There is always pride and fear and hope ... but you can only measure your success by the absence of some tears shed on their future analysts' couches. And a rare smile and look. And by the feeling in your heart.

** Dads' holidays. Alas. **