My mother would give my brothers and me a pile of catalogues and let us pick what we wanted for Christmas.

Kary Mullis' quote reflects a nostalgic and personal memory of Christmas in his childhood. He recalls how his mother would give him and his brothers a stack of catalogues, allowing them to choose what they wanted for Christmas. This practice highlights a sense of freedom and personal choice, where the typical gift-giving ritual was replaced with an opportunity for the children to actively engage in selecting their own presents.

The use of the word "pile of catalogues" evokes a sense of abundance and excitement, as these catalogues likely contained a wide variety of toys, gadgets, and other desired gifts. It suggests that the Christmas experience for Mullis and his siblings was centered around anticipation and the joy of imagining what their lives would be like with the gifts they chose. The catalogues served as a way to spark imagination and dream about the possibilities of their wishes coming true.

This approach to gift-giving, where the children had a say in their own presents, indicates a shift from the typical surprise-based tradition. It suggests that the family's way of celebrating Christmas involved more democratic and interactive elements, allowing the children to be part of the decision-making process. It’s also a reflection of the time and culture, where catalogues were a popular tool for showcasing products and giving consumers a chance to browse and decide.

Overall, Mullis’ quote brings to light the personal and unique tradition his family had, which may have differed from other families' more traditional gift-giving practices. It speaks to a childhood memory marked by agency, where the catalogues allowed the children to feel empowered and connected to the holiday festivities in a way that was both engaging and exciting.