One of my most vivid childhood memories is participating in a Christmas play at our local church, the Pleasant View Baptist Church in Mobile, AL. This performance took place when I was in kindergarten, and it stands out for several reasons, not least of which was my role and the experience that came with it.
I was chosen to play the grandson of a man who read a Christmas story to the congregation. This might sound like a simple part, but for a five-year-old, it was quite a responsibility. My primary task was to sit on his lap for a significant portion of the performance, and while that might seem easy, it presented its own unique challenges.
Firstly, his breath was not exactly what a child would enjoy—a blend of menthol, peppermint, cigarettes, and whiskey, probably to take the edge off his own nerves—something that I distinctly remember to this day. Maintaining a starry-eyed, attentive expression while dealing with this was no small feat for my young self. Additionally, I had to stay awake and engaged throughout the entire reading, which lasted about 35 minutes. For a kindergartner, this felt like an eternity.
Despite these hurdles, though I was not exactly into "church," the play was a significant part of my early Christmas experiences. It embodied the spirit of community and the festive season, bringing together families and friends to celebrate the holiday in a meaningful way. The traditional decorations, the familiar faces of the congregation, and the excitement of being part of a performance all contributed to a memorable occasion.
Since I didn’t really have a grandfather in my life, I thought of the man as being my real grandfather during those moments and beyond. I would seek him out before church services just so I could sit with him. I can't remember his name, but he was a good sport and went along with it to the point that I think some of the church members truly believed we were family. This experience sparked my interest in wanting to be an actor, and perhaps even a singing actor. The support and encouragement from the congregation and my mama helped build my confidence and appreciation for the traditions that make the holiday season special.
Later in life, when I began performing in singing and acting, I would always think back to this experience and thank my "fake grandfather" for going the distance with his role. Looking back, I realize that this early experience was not just about the performance itself, but also about the confidence it instilled in me. The support and encouragement from the congregation and my mama helped build my confidence on stage, many years later. Every time I stepped into the spotlight, I carried with me the lessons learned and the sense of belonging fostered during that memorable Christmas play.
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