Cultural gifts give a lifetime

By Brandy McDonnell | Published: November 23, 2008

One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received, I had to wait six months to use.

On Christmas Eve 2005, my mother-in-law presented our whole family with tickets to see "The Lion King” at Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center.

This Junior Space Explorer Inflatable Space Shuttle is one of the gift items available at Science Museum Oklahoma. Photo BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN

This Junior Space Explorer Inflatable Space Shuttle is one of the gift items available at Science Museum Oklahoma. Photo BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN

In June 2006, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, husband, older son, older niece and I watched enraptured as Julie Taymor’s grand vision of the Disney tale unfolded. (The first high note from the actress playing Rafiki marked the first time I felt my almost-2-year-old son kick in the womb.)

As another holiday season approaches, that treasured recollection reminds me that arts, culture and learning experiences can make meaningful gifts.

Oklahoma is dotted with museums, theater companies, art galleries and other cultural institutions.

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