I love Christmas. I love baking, addressing cards, wrapping presents, and putting up the tree. Yet, this year, the joy wasn't there. It felt like I was just going through the motions to get things done.
Then while rushing home from work today, "Away in a Manger" came on the radio. Outside my car window, snow was falling, and the world seemed to slow down. As I listened, I could feel my spirit lifting. I could feel Christmas.
It's amazing how a song can change your mood. So, what song gets you in the holiday spirit? I hope you'll share it in the comments. I'll be taking a break from posting for a few weeks so I'll see you again in the new year!
Have a blessed and joyous holiday, and remember to take a little time for yourself!
Paul, one of my new friends I met at NCTE, is our host for Poetry Friday at These 4 Corners.
Lovely video! "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" gets me every time. There's a sadness about it that speaks to times gone by.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes! I love that one too. I was just listening to another beautiful song "O Holy Night". The video is so touching. Here's the link if you're interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU
ReplyDeleteLinda, that's such a lovely rendition of "Away in a Manger" - she sings it clear and sweet, doesn't she? For me, hearing Bing Crosby sing "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is always a thrill, especially the moment in the song where the mood switches and Crosby dips down (who can do that dip better than Crosby?) to sing "Yet in thy dark street shineth the everlasting light" - it still gives me the goosebumps I got when I was a kid. That moment is almost scary ("the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight" - whoa, that's big) and it makes me feel like the stars are holding their collective breath. Perfect for the end of the year, as the new year approaches and we're all kind of holding our breath and hoping for the best.
ReplyDeleteThanks for making us think of our favorites - fun!
Julie, yes that is another lovely carol. I know what you mean about the new year...so much promise and so much hope! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhen I was a grad student at OSU, I was homesick at Christmas time, so I bought myself a new cassette of Christmas music -- the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The volume was way up on my walkman when I slipped it in and "Joy to the World" burst forth into my sad brain, shaking me out of my melancholy and helping me to focus on the JOY of the season!
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DeleteMary Lee, I'm finally into the JOY of the season. I'm not sure what took me so long this year. I think I've been cramming way too much into my already busy schedule. I think most folks can relate to that! We all just seem to get busier and busier!
DeleteHi, Linda. I enjoyed your post. I can remember my cousin singing "Away in a Manger" when we were quite small. Thanks for bringing that memory back!
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