"I’ll honor their memory in the best way I know how, in keeping traditions that brought us together through the years."

As you might recall from my December 2024 Hana Hou blog, the holidays for me are all about Traditions with a capital T. (READ HERE!)

So many of my fondest memories involve music – singing in choirs since I was 6 – and movies. And not the modern Hallmark version of the holidays, but old-school movies like Miracle on 34^th Street (the 1947 version…), It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Carol (several favorites here, but the 1951 version with Alistair Sim ranks high). Some newer ones have made the list, including Patrick Stewart’s 1999 made-for-TV version of A Christmas Carol as well as A Christmas Story and (yes, I know it’s a bit schlocky) even Polar Express.

This Christmas will be a tough one, with the passing of my mom in January and Danny’s and my beloved dog, Ella, in May. But there’s much comfort in maintaining traditions even after loved ones are gone. Especially when that individual played such a critical role in your life. Indeed, my mom had a lot of influence on so many things that will forever stay with me.

A very talented amateur singer and pianist, she gifted me with a love and talent for singing. (Although my love for opera came from my dad, who brought The Met into our house through the radio and TV, then later in attending performances at Lyric Opera of Chicago together. He was even on the Lyric Opera Lecture Corps for a few years!)

Mom also imparted her love for (and stress over…) the holidays in many ways. Music was a big part of that, with her singing in the adult church choir while I was in the children’s ensemble. Watching old movies together. Baking cookies, decorating the tree, hanging lights (though I think this one was on my dad…), and so much more.

So, this holiday season, Mom and Dad…and Ella will be much on my mind. Danny’s too, I know. I’ll honor their memory in the best way I know how, in keeping traditions that brought us together through the years. Maybe I’ll even attempt a Brandy Alexander – something Mom enjoyed once each year, at a lunch with friends at Marshall Fields in Chicago. (And now I’m wondering whatever became of those souvenir mugs. I’m sure she tossed them ages ago. She never held much sentiment in things…unless one of her boys made it.)

I’ll pose the same question I asked last December: What are the traditions you hold dear in your family? There’s no right answer…only your answer.

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OK, there is one ‘right’ answer: the tradition of keeping the arts alive in our community.

In this Season of Giving, please remember that we can never take the arts for granted. Federal and state funding has never been high, but we are seeing the lowest levels of support in years. And with even more severe cuts to federal programs for the marginalized in our communities, foundation and individual support is being stretched thin.

Remember, a gift in any amount to the arts organizations you most cherish will have a tremendous impact, ensuring that we all can continue to enrich our lives. If you can include HOT in your plans for year-end giving, please know you will be making a difference.

Mahalo nui loa for all you do. HOT would not be here without your dedication and support.

Andrew