You’ll shoot your eye out!

As a child, the anticipation of Christmas was almost more exciting than the actual day. From the first glimmer of lights on neighborhood houses, to the carols playing on the radio, the anticipation of the big day became all consuming, occupying our thoughts by day and our dreams by night. In the early 1980’s, my brother and I would lay on the living room floor, flipping through the toy section of the JC Penney catalog, circling everything we wanted. We would hand write our letters to Santa, knowing that we wouldn’t get everything we asked for, but hoping we would get our favorites.

The night before Christmas, we were too excited to sleep. I would close my eyes tightly, trying to will myself to sleep, worried that Santa would skip our house because I was still awake. When sleep finally came, we always seemed to wake up before our parents. The rule was that we weren’t allowed to open any presents until mom and dad were also awake. It was pure torture. And when the big moment finally came, we tore into the wrapping with a frenzy - paper and bows flying everywhere. It looked like a war zone, but we were so happy. We usually got at least one item we really wanted. We stayed in our pajamas most of the day, playing with our toys, until it was time to get ready for Christmas dinner. The delicious smells permeated the house, the tree sparkled, and all was well. Life was good.

The nostalgia of childhood memories of Christmas was completely encapsulated by the 1983 holiday classic, “A Christmas Story.” A comedy based on the writings of Jean Shepherd, the film tells the story from the perspective of Ralphie Parker, a 9 year-old boy in 1940 who eagerly anticipated Christmas. Directed by Bob Clark, the movie is set in Indiana just before the holidays and viewers get to watch Ralphie handle his excitement and frustrations of childhood at that time. The movie is filled with scenes like decorating the tree, visiting Santa, going to school, and even Ralphie daydreaming about his only wish - a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle - something that no amount of “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid” warnings could deter.

“A Christmas Story” is a poignant, yet humorous take on a child’s holiday experience, and is something that all ages can enjoy, even after growing up.

“I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle! Oooohhh!” - Ralphie Parker

“No. Shoot your eye out.” - Mrs. Parker

Our cocktail, the Bacchanalia, is a red mulled wine inspired by all of the glorious bits and bobs of Christmas that make up the childhood experience, including the music, decor, traditions, presents, paper, Santa, elves, lights, trees, cookies, ribbons, bows, and more. But more specifically, it was inspired by the parents who wanted to create that magic for their children and wanted to watch them as they experienced the wonder of it all. After the children exhausted themselves and were fast asleep in their beds, mom and dad could enjoy a delicious adult beverage - perhaps like the wine Ralphie’s mom sipped while sitting next to her husband, watching the snow gently fall and lights of the tree twinkle in the dark.

The Bacchanalia

Ingredients:

1 bottle red wine

¼ cup maple syrup

½ cup brandy

3 cinnamon sticks

3 star anise

6 whole cloves

1 orange, cut into slices (save some for garnish)

1 cup of fresh cranberries

Instructions:

1. Simmer all ingredients gently for 15 minutes, and then strain.

2. Ladle into your favorite cups or mugs.

3. Garnish with a half slice of orange, a star anise pod, cinnamon stick, and a few cranberries.