An Animated Christmas Fable by Maurice Sendak (1977)

A Christmas gift from Open Culture:

An Animated Christmas Fable by Maurice Sendak (1977)

December 25th, 2012


Today we say merry Christmas the Open Culture way, by bringing in a piece of work from the late Maurice Sendak, the children’s author and illustrator who with everything he wrote and drew evaded the limitations of that label. Though most of us remember his books Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen from childhood, whenever our childhoods happened to be, fewer of us have seen his animated work. Above you’ll find a bit of it relevant to this time of year: Sendak’s opening sequence forSimple Gifts. In it we witness a shoeless waif’s metamorphosis into a Christmas tree which attracts and comforts a pair of similarly dispossessed tots. The 1977 anthology film collected six short films, all on the theme of Christmas. But only this first minute and a half comes from the inimitable mind belonging to the man Time called “the Picasso of children’s books.” The video then features Simple Gifts‘ opening remarks from Colleen Dewhurst, who reflects on and draws a lesson from this brief animated tale: “A person gives nothing who does not give of himself.”

via Biblioklept

Related content:

• Watch the Animation of Maurice Sendak’s Surreal and Controversial Story, In the Night Kitchen
• The Mind & Art of Maurice Sendak: A Video Sketch

~ Colin Marshall hosts and produces Notebook on Cities and Culture and writes essays on literature, film, cities, Asia, and aesthetics. Follow him on Twitter at @colinmarshall.

Rick Hanson - Just 12 Things

From Rick Hanson's newsletter, Just One Thing, some gift ideas - interesting to see Wilber, et al, mentioned: Integral Life Practice.

Just One Thing

This is Just Twelve Things: a dozen books or courses that I really value and think you might like to give as a holiday present - even to yourself.

I'll be sending out a regular Just One Thing column in the next few days. It's on receiving generosity - which warms the heart, keeps the circle of giving going, and flows well with this season.

Twelve times warm wishes to you,

Rick

* * *

In alphabetical order:

Awakening Joy - This on-line course from James Baraz (one of my own teachers) is super accessible, nurturing, fun, heart-warming and effective

Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom - How to use modern science, informed by ancient contemplative wisdom, to change your own brain for more joy, more fulfilling relationships, and more inner peace. (OK, I wrote this one, but would put it on the list even if I hadn't!)

The Comfort Cafe - Jennifer Louden, author of the best-selling The Woman's Comfort Book, offers a rich collection of resources each month to give women a sanctuary, support, tools and tips, and encouragement.

Depression Is Contagious - A senior psychologist, Michael Yapko, shows how relationship issues can cause depression, and vice versa, and what you can do.

Do One Thing Different - The book that landed Bill O'Hanlon on Oprah: down-to-earth solutions for making those little, do-able changes that produce big results over time.

Epiphany - Elise Ballard's lovely, uplifting collection of true accounts of life-changing moments from both public figures (e.g., Maya Angelou, Deepak Chopra, Barry Manilow) and folks you've never heard of, but really should.

Integral Life Practice - From Ken Wilber and Terry Patten, this is a highly readable, comprehensive, and useful summary of methods for improving your health, well-being, relationships, and spiritual life.

The Meditative Gardener - Gorgeous book full of reflections and earthy advice from Cheryl Wilfong about the joys and other rewards of mindfulness in your garden.

Mindful Motherhood - Cassi Vieten's heart-touching book full of deep insights and gentle advice for staying sane during pregnancy and your child's first year.

Raising Happiness - This on-line course - based on Christine Carter's marvelous book of the same name - teaches effective ways, based on solid science and her real-world experience, to raise happy kids while staying happy yourself.

Saltwater Buddha - Jaimal Yogis' stunning, funny, gripping, true story of running away from home as a teenager to learn to surf - and finding waves of both water and personal transformation.

Spirit Rock Meditation Center - Check out the workshops and retreats from this peaceful, welcoming, world-renowned center.

Tags: gifts, personal growth, education, holidays, Christmas, Rick Hanson, Just 12 Things, Just Once Thing, books