Artwork by Michael DiMilo
Ice Dance from “Edward Scissorshands”
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.
The Ice Dance from Edward Scissorhands
When Edward, a lonely humanoid creation with scissors for hands, is brought down from his isolated castle to the civilized world, he feels the pain of prejudice and ostracism. In spite of this, he falls in love with the beautiful Winona Ryder. In this iconic scene, while carving an ice angel, Edward unintentionally gives his love the gift of seeing her first snowfall.