Essay Questions

How does sharing emerge as one of the main themes in A Christmas Memory?

Sharing is one of the main themes the narrator focuses on because, in his memories, he recalls how his cousins shared their cakes with other people. When the narrator is about ten years old, he lives with his four cousins during Christmas, and they take four days making fruitcakes, which they intend to share with others for free. The theme of sharing is significant in this context because Christmas Eve is a day of giving and remembering the less fortunate in society. Therefore, the narrator's memory of Christmas day reminds readers of the connotation of Christmas because it symbolizes sharing.

What is the significance of the woman who gives the narrator the name Buddy?

The woman described in the story is a close friend of the narrator, and she is his older cousin, who is about sixty years. The woman is significant because the narrator builds his Christmas memories around her. When the story starts, the narrator is about seven years old and lives with his cousin until he gets ten years old. The woman teaches the narrator how to save and how to share with others. The narrator remembers how they made fruitcakes and shared them with strangers. Therefore, the woman is important because he taught the narrator the meaning of Christmas and sharing.

Why are the two relatives angry at the woman who lives with the narrator?

The narrator remembers an incident when his cousin gave him whisky during Christmas. The narrator and his cousin became drunk and started dancing. They also gave the dog a little whine, and it got drunk and joined in the dancing. Two relatives entered the house and were shocked that the narrator was drunk. The woman felt angry, and she ran to her bed to sleep. The narrator followed the woman and comforted her, assuring her that she did nothing wrong. However, giving a young boy whisky is bad, but the woman did not do it with bad intentions.