27 Comments

I saw the title of this post pop up on my phone and my mind instantly flew back to a cold winter’s day in New York when my 11-year-old-self was flipping through TV channels. I stopped when I stumbled across three old fashioned men with golden helmets putting out a fire inside a house with the family (and the family dog) crowded around - everything in chaos.

I had missed the beginning of this drama and had no idea what it was called. Even if I had known, the name “Dylan Thomas” would have meant nothing to me. But I was intrigued and wanted to know what would happen next. When the boys peered up at a woman “who always said the right thing” and waited to hear what she would say, I waited with them. The moment she surveyed the scene and asked the firemen if they wanted “anything to read”, I no longer cared what it was called, I knew it was magic.

https://youtu.be/GrLDaAG7j_o?si=rhVDbV5PMydv_aln

I eventually figured out what it based on and read the story a few times since. But it’s been decades since I last thought of it. I’m not sure why you decided to post this today but I’m so very grateful you did. There are some times in life when I forget that magic exists and it’s nice to have a reminder.

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Thank you for your beautiful comment, Maryah. I’m now so very pleased I posted this story. And thank you for sharing the link to the film. I adore Denholm Elliott and smile every time I see him in anything. He just oozes warmth! 🧡

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Thank you so much for the link to that charming film. We watched it this evening and were quite enchanted.

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That’s wonderful! I’m glad you appreciated it :)

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This is a delight to read. Thomas' recording of it is sublime, about the only thing that moves me at Christmas these days.

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Thanks for reading and commenting, Jeffrey. A little early, but the Christmas cards have been in our local garden centre since August…

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😲

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Oh, I agree completely! I treasure my recordings of his exuberant readings as well. Sublime is the perfect description, Jeffrey!

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Thank you for this much-beloved selection. Reading this work has been a favorite Christmas tradition since my childhood, but I think I love it even more as an adult. Every time I read his writings, I am captivated anew by his luminous imagery and emotional vibrancy.

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Thank you for reading, Ali. I love Christmas stories 🎄

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Me too! This work always brings back such joyful reflections on my childhood Christmas memories. 🎄It makes me almost ready for Christmas decorating—but not quite as I am just finishing perfecting my autumnal decor! 🍁

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Always loved this. And the John Cale song by the same name!! ♥️

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Thank you for reading 🤍☃️

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Thank you so much for this one. Its fantastic.

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You’re very welcome, Christine. Thank you for reading 🩶

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"Bombilating" should be used more often. Thank you for sharing this perennial favorite.

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It should :) And you’re very welcome, Maud ☃️

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What a fabulous writer. Thanks for posting

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Thank you for reading, Christine 🤍

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Wonderful to read this again, thank you, Victoria.

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You’re very welcome, Maureen 🤍

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Victoria, thank you for posting this. I loved the story and regret never taking the trouble to read it until now.

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You’re very welcome Zuzu. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. And the film ☃️🤍

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I’ve always loved that! Thank you for posting it…

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You’re very welcome, Dorinda ☃️

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Haven't read this before. Thank you, Victoria.

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You’re very welcome, Mary 🤍

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