Even though video games and their powerful graphics and popularity have somewhat dimmed the interest in books, the staying power of books has withstood time and continues, especially during the holiday season.
University of Memphis students still fondly recall some of their favorite memories and characters from when they were younger.
Kiesha Johnson, sophomore nursing major, remembers Frosty the Snowman while growing up in California. She admits the actual snow situation is a bit better in Memphis, though.
"I always grew up on Frosty. That and the movie 'The Christmas List' always puts me in the spirit of Christmas," she said. But she added that, while she has always looked forward to the holiday season, this year she does not anticipate it as much because she is getting older. For a different spin on a holiday classic, sophomore psychology major Bryan Putnam recalls the version of "The Night Before Christmas" his father read to him.
"(The story) is the same but with a Cajun spin on it. I've probably heard that version more times than the regular one," he said.Putnam also has a favorite holiday film to watch.
"Every year I watch 'Christmas Vacation' because it fits my family pretty well since it seems some major disaster happens every year," he said.
Kendra James, junior business administration major, listed "Friday After Next" as her favorite Christmas movie and "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" as her most memorable story.
"I always liked Rudolph because they name all the reindeer for me," she said. The film choice may seem odd at first, but James likes the holiday theme and its humor.
Junior biology major Jason Livingston listed many of the better-known characters as his favorites for the holidays. He also noted Rudolph has been popular since he was younger.
"Every kid likes Rudolph and I like the movie 'The Santa Clause' because it's a good family movie that makes you always want to believe in Santa Claus," he said.
All of the students said each of their favorites would hopefully be kept alive for their children and future generations.
"Yeah, most definitely I'd want to keep all these traditions alive for my kids and family, because I look back on it right now and maybe they would when they grew up," Livingston said.
