A month of music madness
Christmas music fills the month of December with traditional and not so traditional carols and jingles. The airwaves are flooded with the familiar words of the holy and commercial season. No one can escape it and I am one who doesn’t want to--I love the music.As I think of the holidays, various songs seem to resonate with each phase of life. Their lyrics sticking with us for decades no matter religion, language, or ethnicity.
The buying frenzy is infiltrated with tunes by Perry Como and Bing Crosby crooning about a picturesque holiday “White Christmas” with snow as well as family gatherings “No Place Like Home for the Holidays” that can’t be missed. Lovely sentiments pour out of the speakers with hopes that all will come true as projected-- I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
As children, the magic was palpable as we eagerly awaited Santa propelled by his trusty reindeer. “Rudolph, the Red Nose Reindeer.”
As children, the magic was palpable as we eagerly awaited Santa propelled by his trusty reindeer. “Rudolph, the Red Nose Reindeer.”
Plus making a list to send Santa was on our minds, making sure we behaved at least for the weeks leading up to the big day, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Here Comes Santa Claus.”
As we aged out of the Santa phase, the holidays became more about what we were doing over the holidays, such as short-term jobs, buying for that special someone, parties, and appropriate attire -- “Blue Christmas,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Music gave us more incentives to handle what was coming, “Sleigh Bells” and “Deck the Halls.”
Marriage and children added another dimension as we went back to the Santa days we go--hiding gifts, adding a few surprises, and trying to keep the true meaning of the holiday in the forefront, “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “O Holy Night.”
As we aged out of the Santa phase, the holidays became more about what we were doing over the holidays, such as short-term jobs, buying for that special someone, parties, and appropriate attire -- “Blue Christmas,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Music gave us more incentives to handle what was coming, “Sleigh Bells” and “Deck the Halls.”
Marriage and children added another dimension as we went back to the Santa days we go--hiding gifts, adding a few surprises, and trying to keep the true meaning of the holiday in the forefront, “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “O Holy Night.”
Who could ever forget Gene Autry singing “Here Comes Santa Claus” in his very distinctive manner, or Roy Rodgers crooning a myriad of carols and jingles?
The music continues as children leave home and return with their children and we go back to Santa, doll babies, festive clothes, trees, food, etc. “Deck the Halls” and “The Little Drummer Boy.”
Even special stations are named Holly and the like and play the holiday music non-stop. And some of the songs are not so traditional as “Momma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” and “Grinch.” Plus, we find the very young entertainers performing renditions of the more traditional versions of the songs – often as good but not always. Elvis’s “Blue Christmas” and the Hawaiian Christmas song just aren’t the same without his soulful crooning.
But Willis Nelson has a knack for singing any of the traditional songs and they sound great no matter how he does it.
The music continues as children leave home and return with their children and we go back to Santa, doll babies, festive clothes, trees, food, etc. “Deck the Halls” and “The Little Drummer Boy.”
Even special stations are named Holly and the like and play the holiday music non-stop. And some of the songs are not so traditional as “Momma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” and “Grinch.” Plus, we find the very young entertainers performing renditions of the more traditional versions of the songs – often as good but not always. Elvis’s “Blue Christmas” and the Hawaiian Christmas song just aren’t the same without his soulful crooning.
But Willis Nelson has a knack for singing any of the traditional songs and they sound great no matter how he does it.
And so it continues as we see a cycle of holiday traditions come back with the music scrolling through it all – in the stores as we shop, on the radio and electronic devices, and streaming through many different sources. Certain ones will bring back a particular or place where we remember hearing it or dancing to it--“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” with Brenda Lee. I personally prefer her version as I remember it as a teen, but others have made attempts that are admirable.
Or a church service where “Noel” and “Adeste Fideles” were sung with heartfelt gusto. The words come back to mind as we hear the familiar renditions. I often can’t remember what day of the week it is. but the lyrics of the carols come rushing forward.
Or a church service where “Noel” and “Adeste Fideles” were sung with heartfelt gusto. The words come back to mind as we hear the familiar renditions. I often can’t remember what day of the week it is. but the lyrics of the carols come rushing forward.
Of course, Alvin and the Chipmunks have brightened the holidays with various renditions of many songs. I guarantee a smile will grace your face when the little rascals start to sing.
No matter what the preference in music styles and artists, holiday songs can be found by almost every artist. The only bad part of all of this is the day or week after Christmas, it all fades away until next December. Sometimes I would like the music to stay a little longer but then it might become ordinary!
No matter what the preference in music styles and artists, holiday songs can be found by almost every artist. The only bad part of all of this is the day or week after Christmas, it all fades away until next December. Sometimes I would like the music to stay a little longer but then it might become ordinary!
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