Christmas with SpongeBob

This animated television show entitled, SpongeBob SquarePants, was originally created by Stephen Hillenburg. The show's main characters include SpongeBob SquarePants, a square, yellow sponge that lives in a pineapple under the sea. His friends include Patrick Star, a dimwitted starfish; Squidward Tentacles, a six-legged squid; and Sandy Cheeks, a feisty, country squirrel that can live underwater. SpongeBob works as a fry cook for Mr. Eugene Krabs, who owns the Krusty Krab restaurant. The show's first airdate was on July 17, 1999. The show is still televised on Nickelodeon television.

The Characters

SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, Mr. Eugene Krabs, Sandy Creeks, SpongeBob's dad, SpongeBob's mom, SpongeBob's uncle, Onemargaret, Patricia, and Moniqueka

Overview

Christmas is just a few weeks away and SpongeBob Square Pants wants to invite his favorite cousins to Christmas dinner at his place in Bikini Bottom. They live on the far side of the ocean. He has not seen or heard from them since they went jelly fishing together at Jellyfish Fields, when he was just an itty bitty sponge. A family argument erupted and it kept both families apart for many years.

In order to get both families together for Christmas, SpongeBob has to think of a way to get his dad and his uncle back on speaking terms again. Who will help him with this huge task? Could their plan possibly work? Will SpongeBob be able to see his favorite cousins, Onemargaret, Patricia, and Moniqueka again or will they be destined to remain apart forever?

Day One

"Hey, SpongeBob, what are you doing for Christmas?" asked Sandy.

"Sandy, I don't know. My cousins live on the other side of Bikini Bottom and I want to invite them over for Christmas dinner. But, I don't think they'll come because of the family "feud." I haven't seen them since I was just an itty bitty sponge."

"You've got to help me, Sandy!" We've got to get them to Bikini Bottom!"

"We? Why do I have to help? I don't want to get mixed up in some silly feud," wailed Sandy.

"Look SpongeBob, I can see your cousin's house from here," interrupted Patrick excitedly as he strolled in on their conversation.

"Patrick, that's my house."

"Oh," replied a confused Patrick.

"Hey, SpongeBob, what do you think really happened between your dad and your uncle?" asked Patrick innocently.

"Do you think it was just some bad communication? I took this class last year and it talked a lot about the listening process," Sandy continued.

"Well, my mom said they never really took the time to talk about their disagreement. They never took the time to listen to what the other had to say. Besides, they always argued about everything anyway," added SpongeBob.

"So, Sandy tell me more about this listening process. I didn't know you took classes," said a stunned SpongeBob.

"Well, duh! I am the smartest creature in Bikini Bottom!" boasted Sandy.

"There's no doubt about that, Sandy. You are also the strongest and the bravest. I just meant that I never expected you to sit in classroom. I mean you are always so busy, not like me and Patrick."

"Hey, I'll have you know that starfish are just as smart as squirrels!" cried Patrick.

"Patrick, please! Of course, starfish are just as smart as squirrels! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings! Patrick, are we fighting?" asked a puzzled SpongeBob.

"Well, what do you think?" replied Patrick.

"I can't stand it! I want PEACE! PEACE! I don't want another silly feud! Sandy, please tell me more about this listening process! I've got to figure a way to get my dad and my uncle together again! Somehow, they have to learn how to communicate! Maybe then, my uncle and my cousins can visit me for Christmas," cried SpongeBob.

"Well, let's see her," Sandy says referring to her notes.

The Listening Process Begins

"SpongeBob, it says here that effective listening is influenced by personal (parents, partners, and friends) and professional role models (teachers, government officials, etc.). Did your dad listen to his mother when she told him to eat all his food so he could grow up to be strong and healthy? Did he sit down when the teacher caught him staring out the window at the future Mrs. SpongeBob? Was he an effective listener or an ineffective listener?"

"Sandy how do you know all that? I don't remember telling you about those very personal things," asked SpongeBob.

"Patrick told me all about it," Sandy added.

"PATRICK!" roared SpongeBob.

"Sorry," apologized Patrick, while slowly creeping away to his own house.

"I'll see you guys later. All this listening stuff is getting way too deep for me. It's making my head hurt. Bye, SpongeBob. Bye, Sandy," Patrick yelled over his shoulder.

"Bye, Patrick," shouted SpongeBob and Sandy simultaneously.

Basic Language Skills

"Ok, let's proceed. Did you know that listening is a basic language skill?

"Nope, I didn't," replied SpongeBob, shaking his head back and forth.

"Well, it is the first language that we develop. First, we listen, then we speak, then we read, then we write. Do you think your uncle and your dad know how the listening process really works? If your dad acts as the source of the communication by saying that he is sorry and wants to be a real family again, then maybe, your uncle will act as the receiver of the message being communicated by finally accepting his apology. What do you think about that, SpongeBob?" Sandy asked.

"Hey, why should my dad be the one to apologize? Maybe my uncle should apologize!" screamed SpongeBob.

Underlying Components of Listening

"SpongeBob! If you want your cousins here for Christmas, then it doesn't matter who apologizes!" blurted Sandy.

"Ok, Sandy. Go ahead with your listening process," blurted SpongeBob.

"Well, it says here that as an ongoing human interaction, communication involves a number of components that make up this complex phenomena: source, message, channel, receiver, feedback, environment, and noise," explained Sandy.

"First, the speaker originates the message. Then the source encodes this idea, sorting and selecting symbols to translate the idea into a message. The encoded message is then transmitted via a communication channel. The verbal and nonverbal messages transmitted via these channels are then received and decoded--filtered and translated into a person's language code to assign meaning--by the communication receiver. The receiver then responds to the source, message, and channel by encoding and sending feedback," recited Sandy.

"Sandy, is this how my dad and my uncle communicated with each other when they had their disagreement?" asked a curious SpongeBob.

Yes, it sure is, SpongeBob," explained Sandy.

"And through the entire process, the communication will be affected by two other important components. The environment--where the communication takes place and by the noise--internal and external interference. This interference can be internal, within the communicators themselves. Maybe, one of the communicators has a cold, is tired, or has a hard time hearing. It can also be external to the system such as a loud sound in the room, other people talking, static in the channel, or a message that doesn't make sense to the listener," continued Sandy.

Major Components of Listening

"Now, SpongeBob, there are also three major components of the listening process," Sandy explained further.

"You mean there's more?" whined SpongeBob.

"Yeah, it sure is! Now, receiving, attending, and assigning meaning are the three major components involved in the listening process."

"The first component--receiving--is the process of physically hearing and, to some extent, seeing the message. Any physical disability--hearing loss or impaired vision--can negatively affect the receiving process. One of the most common problems is as simple as blockage of the outer ear from excessive wax. Too much wax buildup can minimize the hearing process, therefore, reducing the receiving of necessary information," continued Sandy.

"Of course, there are many other kinds of problems that can make it hard to hear. These range from temporary conditions like swimmer's ear and middle ear infections to more serious conditions such as tinnitus, also known as ringing of the ears, hearing loss from noise pollution, and hereditary conditions such as otosclerosis, which affects the bones of the inner ear."

"The second component of the listening process is attending. Attending is the process of actually listening to what is being said," continued Sandy.

"Our brains are not able to process all of the messages that it receives at one time. So we use "selective attention" to listen to the messages that we think are important. Some scientists think that selective attention is based on "one's beliefs, values, and behaviors" and that messages that are consistent with one's beliefs are listened to more readily than inconsistent messages."

"The third component of the listening process is assigning meaning. In this process, the listener's goal is to attach meaning to that intended by the message sender. This is where the communication process can get confusing because both the receiver and the sender may see differences based upon their individual past experiences, their present feelings, and their future expectations," continued Sandy.

"An interesting theory of information processing is the "schema theory." It states that the human brain stores information or schemata, in the form of nodes, which are concepts, events or objects, and links, which is the way the nodes interact. New information is processed based on how they fit in with the schemata already stored in these nodes."

"Remember the first time I invited you over to my house?" asked Sandy.

"Sort of," replied a bewildered SpongeBob.

"You didn't pay attention to me when I said there wasn't any water at my house. And you didn't bring any water when you came over."

"You dried up pretty quick that day! But, the next time you came over, you remembered how dry and crusty you got the last time, and brought yourself a big bowl of water to keep yourself wet! That's the schema theory in action. You used your memory of past events to process a new event, like coming over to my house again," explained Sandy.

"Oh, yeah, that was a painful experience!" remembered SpongeBob.

Communication Variables

Sandy continued, "It also states that the following variables can affect the different components of the communication process." They are Communication Skills; Communication Knowledge; Communication Attitudes; Communication and frame of reference; Message content and structure; Language code and symbolism; Channel selection; and Environment.

"SpongeBob, what did your mom say about your dad and your uncle? Did she discuss their "problem" in detail with you?" asked Sandy.

A Frame of Reference

"Nope, but, grandma sure did. She told me everything. She said my dad called my uncle a "Stuck-up Sponge" because he refused to go to his high school reunion. My uncle got mad and called my dad an "Outdated Sponge," cried SpongeBob.

"That's the reason they haven't spoken all these years? Because of a stupid high school reunion?" Sandy asked oddly.

"Sounds like a frame of reference to me."

"Sandy? What is a frame of reference?" asked SpongeBob.

"SpongeBob, it consists of one's culture, life experiences, attitudes, knowledge, communication skills, background, present thoughts and feelings, expectations of self and others, values, beliefs, personality factors, interests, concerns, fears, pressures, tensions, needs, biases, prejudices, stereotypes, fantasies, morals, convictions, and physical health. These things strongly influence our way of thinking," explained an out-of-breath Sandy.

Other Affecting Variables

"Well, let me see if I've got this right, I guess my uncle's frame of reference is that he shouldn't have to lower himself to their standards by sitting around a bunch of old, dried up, brittle sponges, etc."

"He also did not want to share "sob" stories about their failing marriages, their spoiled children, and their low-paying jobs. My dad thought he was being unfair and that he was just stereotyping everybody before he even got the chance to talk to them first," explained SpongeBob.

"I know my uncle went to college and my dad didn't. He chose not to. They were not close like brothers should be. They grew up in different environments. They always had different opinions on things. They never agreed on anything before. I guess you could say, "They had a different attitude towards life and how a person should deal with his or her problems," explained SpongeBob.

"My uncle also didn't think people should discuss family matters with strangers. He thought their willingness to be so open was a sure sign of weakness. That's why he refused to attend his high school reunion. He felt vulnerable because, secretly, he shared some of the same problems he presumed they had and would surely talk about at the reunion. On the other hand, my dad welcomed the idea. He though it was like a healing process to share one's ups and downs with people just like himself. It was sort of like bonding," continued a frustrated SpongeBob.

"Sounds like you're onto something, SpongeBob," said Sandy.

Factors Affecting the Listening Process

"It also says here, there are 10 factors that can affect the listening process. They are culture, gender, age, hemisphere specialization, physical and psychological states; attitudes; self-concept; receiver apprehension; time; and listener preferences." volunteered Sandy.

The Evaluation

"My uncle grew up in a different environment, where he was exposed to different cultures. When my uncle graduated from high school, they were separated for a number of years when he went to live with other relatives. Being that he was in a new situation, he experienced more. It also caused him to become more cautious about his new surroundings," said SpongeBob.

"From what you told me earlier, your uncle does not sound like a risk-taker. Maybe, he even got hurt in the process," Sandy replied.

"Well, Sandy, my dad stayed behind and was used to the old-fashioned way of doing things. He's the one who liked taking chances, especially on people. He always saw the good in everyone," confessed a proud SpongeBob.

"My dad is older than my uncle. So I guess age has a strong impact on this situation. This could account for his feeling so laid back and open-minded," explained SpongeBob.

"Also, my dad's attitude toward things is that you should always be open to suggestions. Never dismiss anything until you have studied it thoroughly. My uncle's attitude toward things is that you should not waste your time on things of less importance to you. You should focus your attention on your needs rather than the needs of others,"

"Perhaps, my uncle wasn't in the best physical state of mind when he and my dad talked back then. Maybe, he was affected by some sort of stress. I mean they never really talked it out," continued a puzzled SpongeBob.

"They also never took the time to chat like brothers are supposed to. Other things were always more important."

A Solution to the Problem

"SpongeBob, I have an idea. Invite your dad and your uncle to the Krusty Krab for lunch next week. But, don't let them know the other person will be coming. And don't you even think about telling Patrick. We have to take action to get these guys talking again. It's our only hope," offered Sandy.

"What" Keep a secret from my best buddy, Patrick? I mean it's been ten years. That's a long time not to talk to someone. Patrick and I get mad at each other but it never lasts that long. But, if you really think it will work."

"Ok then, it's a done deal. Call you dad and your uncle tonight. Make the invite for Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. I'll ask Squidward and Mr. Krabs to prepare a special lunch for you. Remember, don't tell Patrick. You know how he is about keeping secrets," reminded Sandy.

"Okay, I'll try, but keeping a secret is hard, especially from Patrick," confessed SpongeBob.

Next Week Finally Arrives

"Sandy, my dad and my uncle are both coming! What are Squidward and Mr. Krabs preparing for our special lunch this afternoon?"

"You didn't tell them that the other was coming, did you?" asked a concerned Sandy.

"No, Sandy, of course, not! Do I look dumb to you?" wailed SpongeBob.

"Well?"

"Forget I just asked that question," replied a somber SpongeBob.

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

"Hi, dad!" SpongeBob said nervously as he entered Krusty Krab.

"Hello, SpongeBob. Why'd you ask me here? This is the first time we've had lunch together, at least, since you were a little tike. What's this all about?" asked SpongeBob's dad, while staring him straight in the eyes.

"Wow! This is a surprise! I didn't know you were coming here, too!" SpongeBob recited as his uncle entered in directly behind him.

"SpongeBob, what is this? Why is he here?" shouted his dad.

"Dad, before you get upset, I wanted to get the two of you together to talk. I want us to be a real family again. I miss my cousins. Uncle, please..." begged SpongeBob.

Hard Work Ahead

"...just give me a chance to explain," SpongeBob pleaded.

"Sandy has been helping me to understand the listening process and ways to make communicating with other people more effective. I studied her notes all night and have a plan to help you both work out your misunderstanding. It's important to me that we all are together this Christmas. Will you both give it a try?" asked SpongeBob.

Warily, the brothers agreed, knowing that their efforts would make SpongeBob happy. SpongeBob continued, "To make this work, it is important to start by looking each other in the eye, while talking, and sit face-to-face. Then, it is important not to interrupt each other and to use a pleasant voice. Try to give each other positive feedback, like nodding, or repeating back what you think the other person said. It may seem strange at first, but it's a good way to have a conversation that may settle this problem."

A Very Special Moment

Although it was awkward at first, SpongeBob's dad and uncle each stated his feelings and tried hard to listen to the other person's concerns. In the end, SponbgeBob's dad put his arm around his brother and hugged him tightly.

He said with tears streaming down his face, "I forgive you and I hope that you can forgive me. I love you and I've missed you so much. I'm so sorry!" The moment was so touching that SpongeBob's eyes also welled up with tears.

SpongeBob's uncle said, "I was wrong for the way I acted 10 years ago. We all have our faults and we are all human beings with real feelings. I am sorry that we missed so much time together. I'm sorry too!"

"Squidward, Sandy, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Mom! This is so awesome! Now I can invite my cousins over for Christmas dinner! I've got to call them and tell them! I know they will be just as excited as I am! Hey, Sandy! This listening process stuff really does work after all!" cried a delighted SpongeBob to his friends and his mom, who were hiding in the back room.

"Merry Christmas, SpongeBob!"

Back at the little pineapple under the sea, SpongeBob, Squidward, Sandy, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, his dad, his mom, his uncle, Onemargaret, Patricia, and Moniqueka are sitting down to enjoy their first, real Christmas dinner together. SpongeBob was so happy to see his cousins again after so many years apart.

"Hey, Patrick, cut the turkey!" said an excited Sandy.

"No! I won't do it! I can't bring myself to cut such a beautiful piece of art!" cried Patrick.

"Move outta my way! I'll cut the dumb bird!" ordered Squidward.

"Wait, just a minute, Squidward! I cooked the bird! Shouldn't I be the first one to cut it?" asked Mr. Krabs.

A Happy Ending

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Let's not fight over who's cutting the turkey. One thing I learned from the listening process is that we all have to learn to compromise and work together as a team. It shouldn't be the sole responsibility of one person. And being effective listeners is very important in the communication process," explained SpongeBob's dad.

"Especially, if we want to continue to get along. It's not all about you and what you want. It's also good to consider another person's point-of-view, too. And since this is a very special Christmas, I'd like to give thanks that I am able to enjoy it with my friends and family," responded SpongeBob's uncle.

"Let's all take turns cutting the turkey. There's plenty to go around. We'll just start with my dad and my uncle. Let them do the honors! After all, they're definitely earned the right!" smiled a glowing SpongeBob.