Finally it feels like Christmas on OWN! Rosie totally pumped up the spirit with her holiday special. Dressed as Mrs. Cool Claus, the stage opened as a huge red gift. Within no time the curtain pulled back to reveal the holiday décor that would send anyone into sugar shock. It was AWESOME! Each year my sister and I argue over Christmas decorations. She likes it simple and elegant, as do I for most things in life. But for some reason around Christmas I want to go CRAZY! Rosie’s stage echoed my dream decorations. Not that the garland, ornaments or trees were anything magnificent, it was more about the overstimulation of cheer. I can’t help it. Just feels like Christmas. Never have I really let go and just went for it. I am not even sure I could afford to. But one of these days….I’m going to do it BIG. For now, I will live vicariously through OWN.
True to form, Rosie was all about the kids. She began by surprising Shylecia, her cousin and best friend with a Christmas serenade from her favorite teen band, Mindless Behavior She had been on a prior show with Rosie and had asked for advice about bullies. In turn, Ro invited her back to the show to do what she loves…dancing. That was when the surprise was revealed. It totally took me back to my days of my teen posters of U2, Duran Duran and Depeche Mode hanging on my walls. What an incredible dream come true for Shylecia.
The next story gift was not about teen idols, but instead about survival. We were introduced to a family that had fallen on hard times. For the last 5 months, Maureen and her two sons had been living in a homeless shelter. Here is there story and their great surprise from an incredible man, Kevin Fitzpatrick!
As I watched the young boys, I felt horrible for them. They were just kids and what they feared was coming true on national TV. They didn’t want anyone to know…and now the world did. In truth, so many of us take for granted that many of us are only a few paychecks away from being homeless. Life can change so quickly…as it had for Maureen and her boys. True the more important thing is that they are living safely together in their own apartment and have a year to get back on their feet – thanks to Kevin. I knew inside they must have felt like crying. No one wants to be in a position of needing help. I am certain they appreciate it more than he will ever know. Truly the story is an inspiration for me to be better person to the world.
After the break, Rosie had one for gift tucked up her sleeve. This time the recipient was a young girl, Britney who had recently lost her father to cancer. As he was dying, she found herself putting up walls to block out those who loved her…especially her mom, Lisa. Until one day when she found a Justin Bieber video online. That night she and her mother watched every one of his videos they could find…bringing them closer again. Of course Rosie couldn’t help but reach out to Justin who was happy to help deliver Britney’s best Christmas gift ever! Watch it all unfold on OWN.
It appears that the Christmas spirit wasn’t just limited to the show….the entire staff is spreading the holiday cheer, even if only via elevator cam.
Then at the close of the show, the audience got to get in on the caroling with a new game from Mrs. Santa “Rosie” Claus. As holiday songs were played, Ro would sing the wrong lyrics. All they had to do was buzz in with the right ones to win. I began to realize that many people sing the songs and totally fudge the lyrics. Gotta love the holidays! In the true spirit of giving, Ro not only let both contestants win, but she gave the gifts away to everyone in the audience. Check out what each of they got from Santa. The only thing missing was a sing-a-long with the audience. OR better yet, Christmas caroling around Chicago with Rosie and TeamRo. Maybe it isn’t too late? I’ll make the hot cocoa!