The holidays have descended upon us and we’re amid the activities surrounding them. The signs are all around us, from the influx of parties and get-togethers to the alluring aromas of seasonal delicacies to individuals ringing bells and playing music amidst the bustling crowds. I became suddenly aware of what time of year it was when I recently ventured to the shopping mall and had to park my hovercraft a galactic mile away, or so it seemed.
Yes, I do venture out on occasion, utilizing sophisticated cloaking devices and good old-fashioned costumes. And you may have seen my hovercraft – it’s retrofitted to resemble Doc’s time traveling DeLorean in Back to the Future, complete with a functional flux capacitor.
Another huge indicator of the holiday season is the traditions that come with them. One tradition for me is to visit the local cinemas and take in some classic holiday films. “Classic” may be a stretch, but these films certainly deliver fun and joy to me. This weekend, I was able to take in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I imagine that just by reading the title, many of you smiled and began replaying your favorite scenes in your heads. My latest visit was as enjoyable as ever, although I did miss seeing a good friend of mine who has made this an annual tradition themselves (you know who you are!).
I equally enjoy the holiday movie marathons on television, although I’ve yet to perfect the taste of true movie theater popcorn to enjoy while watching. The single holiday movie marathon tradition that most are familiar with is 24 hours of A Christmas Story. Whether you try to take in every minute or are simply aware of it airing, everyone knows what you’re talking about when it’s mentioned.
I won’t rehash the entire story, but the basis is a young child and his pursuit to receive the ultimate Christmas gift: an official Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and a thing that tells time. In true Hollywood fashion, there is a galaxy full of laughs and life lessons along the way. The young boy, Ralphie, uses the best of his knowledge and guerilla marketing tactics to try and achieve his goal, incorporating the assistance of others where possible and enduring hurdles placed before him. Ralphie never gives up during the movie and gets right back to his feet when he topples (literally). In the end, his drive and persistence pay off and he and the rest of the cast live happily ever after… or at least until the next edition airs and he starts all over again.
Ralphie’s pursuit of his dream is not unlike a member’s pursuit of homeownership. While not restricted to the holiday season, members who want to own their own home certainly employ all options and assistance known to them and no doubt run into hurdles of their own, ranging from questions of eligibility or qualifying to receiving home loan stipulations that need to be met for the mortgage to close.
In their pursuit of a mortgage, it’s quite possible that a member will be told, “You’ll shoot your eye out,” along the way and struggle to find that ray of hope and knowledge that will help them achieve their dreams. In the movie, it was Ralphie’s “old man” who eventually came through. He had been listening and watching Ralphie the entire time and, I believe, had his own dream of making his son’s dream come true.
During this holiday season, the coming New Year and beyond, we need to be the “old man” for our members. It’s been a rough year for all of us, credit unions and members alike, but as we’ve all realized before, members will always need houses no matter the day, time or market conditions. And who better to help them than their trusted credit union?
We are, indeed, in the dream making business. So, this year, as you’re tuning in to A Christmas Story, put your members and their dreams of homeownership in Ralphie’s shoes. Doing so will help you recognize the uphill battle members often face in their pursuit to own their own home. Plus, it will help us better empathize and work with them as we help make their dreams realities.
On behalf of everyone at my mortgage, I want to wish all of you a Happy and Joyous Holiday Season!