Selected Shorts: "Holidays with Mom" Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Selected Shorts
• Host/Author: Symphony Space
• Description: Our greatest actors transport us through the magic of fiction, one short story at a time. Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich diversity of voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy. New episodes every Thursday, from Symphony Space.
• Episode: Holidays with Mom
• Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In the "Holidays with Mom" episode of Selected Shorts, host Meg Wolitzer sets the stage for a heartfelt exploration of holiday traditions and familial relationships. She introduces listeners to two poignant and humorous stories that delve into the complexities of spending the holidays with family, particularly focusing on the intricate dynamics between mothers and their children.

Story 1: "Two Eyes Made out of Coal" by Augusten Burroughs

Performer: Michael Cerverus
Timestamp: [03:09] – [22:29]

Summary: Augusten Burroughs shares an autobiographical tale titled "Two Eyes Made out of Coal," which humorously recounts his childhood obsession with an Advent calendar and his mother's unwavering dedication to holiday traditions. The story paints a vivid picture of a young Augusten's intense anticipation for Christmas, leading to both endearing and chaotic moments in the kitchen as he attempts to create the perfect gingerbread house for his mother.

As Augusten navigates the challenges of following a seemingly "foolproof" recipe, his creativity takes a detour, resulting in a gingerbread slum that defies the picturesque house depicted in Woman's Day magazine. His mother's gentle but firm guidance and eventual appreciation of his imperfect creation highlight the unconditional love and understanding that underpin their relationship.

Notable Quotes:

• Augusten Burroughs [05:45]:
  "It would be like getting your child hooked on heroin and then withholding the needle."
  (Reflecting his overwhelming fixation on the Advent calendar.)

• Augusten Burroughs [15:30]:
  "Art was born from chaos. The creative process can be very messy. You have to be comfortable with that."
  (His mother's philosophy as she attempts to help him with the cranberry and popcorn garlands.)

• Augusten Burroughs [21:15]:
  "My gingerbread hovel had suddenly turned into a loved or at least somewhat appreciated gingerbread home."
  (After his brother unexpectedly enjoys part of his gingerbread creation.)

Insights: Burroughs' story underscores the bittersweet nature of holiday traditions—the joy of shared rituals juxtaposed with the frustrations and imperfections that often accompany them. The narrative illustrates how childhood experiences with family can leave lasting memories, shaping one's perception of love and togetherness.

Story 2: "Live Wires" (Hanukkah Party) by Thomas Beller

Performer: Jane Curtin
Timestamp: [25:40] – [57:43]

Summary: Thomas Beller's "Live Wires," also referred to as "The Hanukkah Party," delves into the anxious experience of Alex Feder, a young man who brings his girlfriend, Christine, to his family's annual Hanukkah celebration. The narrative explores Alex's internal struggle as he navigates his relationship with his traditional mother and the expectations of her circle of friends.

Throughout the evening, Alex grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the fear of judgment as Christine, a woman significantly older than him with a strikingly mature appearance, integrates into the tightly-knit family gathering. The story captures the tension between maintaining familial bonds and embracing personal relationships that diverge from established norms.

The climax unfolds during the lighting of the Hanukkah candles, where Alex's efforts to uphold tradition clash with his discomfort in the social setting. Ultimately, the evening culminates in a moment of reconciliation as Alex chooses to support his relationship over conforming to familial expectations, highlighting themes of acceptance and the courage to forge one's own path.

Notable Quotes:

• Alex Feder [30:10]:
  "Watching his mother now, he's reminded of Anna Karenina. He's been reading the book for the first time since high school, and he has come to see more and more of his mother in the character of Anna."
  (Reflecting on his mother's complex personality and her impact on him.)

• Christine [35:55]:
  "It's our guest of honor."
  (Welcoming herself to the party, signaling her acceptance into the family dynamic.)

• Alex Feder [50:20]:
  "I describe the goings on here, and I think I saw her cringe when I mentioned the singing."
  (Expressing his worries about Christine's reaction to the traditional Hanukkah activities.)

• Meg Wolitzer [57:43]: (Closing Remarks)
  "Alex fears the collision of his two worlds, which he suspects ought to be kept separate. One benefit of setting a story at a party is that the writer doesn't have to awkwardly drag the characters into a scene they've already been invited before."
  (Offering literary insights into the storytelling techniques used in "Live Wires.")

Insights: Beller's narrative captures the essence of holiday gatherings as microcosms of larger societal and familial expectations. It highlights the personal conflicts that arise when individual desires intersect with traditional roles, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the strength found in embracing one's true self amidst external pressures.

Conclusion

In "Holidays with Mom," Selected Shorts masterfully juxtaposes two narratives that explore the intricate dance between tradition and personal identity during the holiday season. Through Augusten Burroughs' humorous and heartfelt recollections and Thomas Beller's introspective portrayal of familial dynamics, listeners are invited to reflect on their own holiday experiences and the enduring presence of maternal influence in shaping these moments.

Host Meg Wolitzer adeptly ties these stories together, offering reflections that deepen the listener's appreciation for the nuanced portrayals of family life. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the joy, chaos, and enduring bonds that define our most cherished holiday traditions.

Additional Information

For more stories like these, visit selectedshorts.org, where you can explore past episodes, participate in the Selected Shorts Writing Contest, and subscribe to the podcast for access to bonus interviews and exclusive content. Share your own holiday tales with the community via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to join the conversation and celebrate the diverse experiences that make the holidays truly special.