Attribution: Archives Branch, USMC History Division, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
By Geoff Carter
The holiday season is all about family tradition. Whether it’s about going to Midnight Mass, carving the Christmas ham, avoiding the mother-in-law’s homemade eggnog, or sampling Grandma’s oyster stew, traditions are what makes our holidays special. But some people are hurting. Many are out of work. Some do not have enough to eat or a place to sleep. Not all families will be able to gather together. Some loved ones are gone forever. Yet, no matter the hardship and no matter their means, people will find a way to celebrate.
So, in recognition of our fragile and marginalized citizens who are doing the best they can to make this season festive and joyous, The Pen in Hand would like to present his collection of unconventional Christmas moments—snippets of film, TV, and audio—that celebrate the non-traditional, unusual, and exuberant holiday observances.Â
Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis by Tom WaitsÂ
A poignant Christmas greeting from an old friend who has fallen on hard times. Empty wishes and broken dreams lie just under the veneer of holiday goodwill and fond remembrances in this Christmas note from a working girl. Another Tom Waits masterpiece that invokes hope from even the toughest neighborhoods.