Just after Thanksgiving, a surreal sans-turkey seasonal affair, I began to play my collection of Christmas music, feeling the need for the holiday spirit.
My holiday playlist is filled to the brim with music and memories from my childhood, my children’s childhood and all the years since.
James Taylor’s sensitive and affecting rendtition of “The Christmas Song,
Rod Stewart’s raspy, breathy “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
the astonishing harmonies of Pentatonix.
The stunning crescendo and key change of CeeLo Green’s “Silent Night;”
and “White Christmas”—Rascal Flatts, Bing or Bublé.
Can’t have too many versions.
In an eerie and certainly unplanned happenstance, as the last song on my coveted holiday season playlist began, I sat down next to the fire and pulled my furry throw over my lap.
As Blake Shelton, the teddy-bear cowboy, serenaded me with, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” I became sadly aware that, as my part of the state has closed down once again in Covid fear, the classic songs’ meaning for me this year is not the Christmas Eve with snow and mistletoe and presents by the tree originally intended by the composers.
Instead, only in my dreams.
With a freshly brewed cup of spiced tea in hand, I pushed play to start the music again.
I am home for Christmas.
Would to hear about your most-played holiday song and who the artist(s) is!
That’s always been my favorite Christmas song even though it makes me sad.
Sweet piece! GVL
Moon Sailor
I have over a thousand songs in my collection and there are many I look forward to hearing so I’ll list three: Whitney Houston’s do you hear what I hear Seth McFarland’s baby it’s cold outside Vanessa William’s hark the herald angels sing I tend to lean on the jazzier side of Christmas
Mixed emotions about your Christmas tree: first laughter then sadness. I have a Charlie Brown artificial tree decorated with wooden ornaments painted by my children and four ornaments from my grandmother's tree; lots of nostalgia. My tree skirt is elegant with felt and sequin decorations made for me by a friend years ago. I am having Christmas Eve in my home with most of my family. My daughter and only granddaughter are married and going to their mothers-in-law. I am having my typical dinner: chili, beans, tamales, home made eggnog, and outstanding wine from my brother. This year the wine includes a 1970 Pauillac Lafite Rothschild. I have serious doubts about it being drinkable! MMM
When I was young I awaited Santa and loved all of the christmas decorations and when I was older and married we celebrated both Chanukah and Christmas with our children and there was much joy!! Audreycid:17654d712fac73f620d1
Now my decor is lighted trees on the dining room table and I cannot even be with my children for awhile as one grandson just came in from Chicago...under quarantine f!!! But I count my blessings for today and hope for a rosier future in 2021!! Don't we all!!
I wish you the best of Holiday spirits that you can conjure up and will be listening to those "oldies" along with you!! I love your stories!! Stay safe....