Song # 25 - Joy to the World!

Song #25

"Joy to the World! The Lord is Come"

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The wait is over! The Lord is Come! This is the best day of the whole year - the day we celebrate Jesus' birth! I hope this day is full of joy for you.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King;
let ev'ry heart prepare Him room, and heav'n and nature sing, 
and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n and heav'n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns; let all their songs employ;
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy
repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

Nor more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found, far as far as the curse is found,

He rules the world with truth and grace, and make the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love, and wonders and wonders of his love!

Song #24 - Silent Night

Song #24

"Silent Night"

You knew that the Christmas Eve song would be "Silent Night," didn't you? Tonight I attended the Christmas Eve Service at my parents' church (Urban Heights Covenant Church) in Iowa. It was wonderful. Every song we sang has made an appearance somewhere in this blog already, with the exception of tomorrow's song. I always think there's room for new Christmas songs (just like there's always room in your heart to love more) but there's just something about the tried and true standbys that really make it feel like Christmas to me. 

I love singing Silent Night by candlelight. The hustle and bustle of the day (well, the whole season, actually) melts away, and it's just voices singing by the soft glow of candles. How peaceful. I love that we light the candles from the Christ candle. It is this flame that slowly spreads around the sanctuary until everyone's candle is lit. Jesus came as a Light into this dark world of ours. He is our redeeming grace. Alleluia!


Silent night! holy night! All is calm, all is bright
'round yon virgin mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild
sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
glories stream from heaven afar, heav'nly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night! holy night! Son of God, love's pure light,
radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Song #23 - O Little Town of Bethlehem

Song #23

"O Little Town of Bethlehem"

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see the lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light:
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Song #22 - O Come, All Ye Faithful

Song #22

"O Come, All Ye Faithful"

Don't be jealous, but Santa Claus already visited the Johnson household! So that our family could all celebrate together this year, we moved the timeline up a few days. I've already eaten the Swedish meatballs, the obligatory bites of pickled herring and lutefisk, the lefse and -- - hey - wait a minute! I didn't have any rice pudding yet!

You know those moments that aren't exactly awesome when they happen, but you know you'll be able to laugh about them in the future? Well, we had one of those moments last night, just as we sat down to enjoy our traditional "Christmas Eve" meal. We had just started eating when a small plastic ball flew from across the room, directly hitting my dad's wine glass, spraying the entire contents of the glass all over him (red wine, of course), the table, the plates, and the wall behind us. Direct hit! (Kid culprit was equally horrified and will undoubtedly be reminded of this incident for the rest of his life...)

Somehow, the meal got cleared away without fanfare, and here I am, left to ponder the fact that I didn't have rice pudding yet. Well, perhaps it's good that I still have something to anticipate. Even though the presents have been opened, I don't want Christmas to be over ("Alexa, play Christmas music."). And it's not! I rejoice for the precious family time already shared, and still anticipate the birth of our savior! With that, another song for advent:

O Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; 

come and behold him, born the King of angels; 

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, O sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above;

glory to God, all glory in the highest;

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.

Yea, Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning, O Jesus to thee be all glory giv'n;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!

Song #21 -While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night

Song #21

"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night"

This song is basically Luke 2:8-14.

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground,

the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around, and glory shone around.

"Fear not!" said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind;

"Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and human kind, to you and human kind.

"To you, in David's town, this day is born of David's line

the Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign, and this shall be the sign:

"The heav'nly babe you there shall find to human view displayed,

all meanly wrapped in swathing bands, and in a manger laid, and in a manger laid."

Thus spoke the seraph, and forthwith appeared a shining throng

of angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song, addressed their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace;

good will henceforth from heav'n to all begin and never cease, begin and never cease!"

Song #20 - O Come O Come Emmanuel

Song #20

"O Come O Come Emmanuel"

Oh yeah. I forgot that having the house filled with three small children and siblings who haven't all been together for Christmas in years might pose some challenges as far as downtime to write my blog today! As much as I've enjoyed writing this blog, I don't want to miss out on the memories being created around me one bit, so I think this week, the entries will be short and sweet. I've got family to be with! 

As we round the bend to Christmas Day, I'm thinking about songs of advent - songs of expectancy - even more. 

O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, 
that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel!

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel!

O come, thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things, far and nigh;
to us the path of knowledge show, and cause us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel!

O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;
bid now our sad divisions cease, and be thyself our King of peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel!

Song #19 - Come On Ring Those Bells

Song #19

"Come on, ring those bells"

Last night as I lay in bed, I was overcome with a craving for Chex Mix. Forget visions of sugar plums! My packing was underway (and by underway, I mean that I had neatly folded a pile of long-sleeved t-shirts) and I was ready for a good night's sleep. My head hit the pillow, and boom, I wanted Chex Mix! You know how there are just certain things that really make it feel like you're on Christmas Vacation? Well, my Mom's Chex Mix is one of those things. I know that when I get to my parents' house tonight, there will be Chex Mix. 

Just like certain foods put me in to the holiday spirit, so do certain songs. (And you're like, Kim, isn't that what this whole blog is about?) Today's song is special because it has marked the Christmas season for me my entire life. Evie and me go back to the record player days. And, still, after all these years, pressing play (yes, she was upgraded from record to cassette tape to CD and then mp3) on Evie's Christmas Album brings me back to the happiest childhood a kid could ask for. I do believe I have my mom to blame thank for my devotion to Christmas music. Thanks, Mom!

This blog is being typed (painfully slowly on a touchpad, I might add) at a cruising altitude of 30,000 feet (I made that up; I have no clue what the current altitude is), but by the time you read it, I will have listened to track 1, "Come on ring those bells," munched some Chex Mix, and will be full-on Christmassing.

Signing of, safe and sound, from Urbandale, Iowa

Come on ring those bells performed by Evie Tornquist YouTube

Song #18 - Home For the Holidays

Song #18

"(Oh there's no place like) Home For the Holidays"

"If you want to be happy in a million ways, for the holidays you can't beat home sweet home!"

I made it! It was a long week. Between morning meetings, rainy day recess, and an eggnog muffin fail, somehow Friday came, and I am on Winter Break! 2 glorious weeks to rest and play with friends and family - mostly in the midwest (still crossing my fingers for snow!).

I can't even begin to list all the things I'm looking forward to! Well, I could, but I'm choosing to save those for the next few days. This is because in order to actually get home for the holidays, I need to pack! So, I'm cutting this blog short.

Next time you hear from me, I'll be HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays - Perry Como  Spotify  YouTube

Song #17 - O Holy Night

Song #17

"O Holy Night"

Prepare to be transported back to the 80's. No, not for Wham's "Last Christmas" (although, admit it; the Christmas music season isn't really complete without this one, too.) What you are about to experience is a part of my childhood called PRISM. PRISM was a Christian music group with "hip" songs that were parent-approved in the Johnson household. We totally rocked out.

Growing up, we opened presents on Christmas Eve, but before the present-opening could commence, my brothers and I were always expected to do a "Christmas Program." (When I got older, my mom told me it was mainly to keep us kids occupied while she got the kitchen cleaned up. Thanks for ruining the magic, Mom.) In our younger, inexperienced years, our programs were simple things like a song or acting out the Nativity.

Away in a Manger

Original Johnson costumes supplied by the linen closet.

But our best Christmas program ever, in my humble opinion, was probably when we pulled off a choreographed song and dance to PRISM's version of O Holy Night, complete with a (fake) saxophone solo and Christmas-light adorned costumes. It. Was. Epic. Somehow the picture of this event has gone missing but when it re-emerges, you will be the first to know.

And so, outside of the traditionally sung Christmas Carol, a close second would be this rousing rendition, which I still have on cassette tape. No idea how to play it, as I haven't been in possession of a cassette tape player for years; but thankfully, someone on YouTube captured the song in all its glory. Please enjoy, and try not to picture me with braces and the neighbor's borrowed saxophone.

O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees O hear the angel voices
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night divine, O night, O night divine

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
O night divine, O night, O night divine

O Holy Night - performed by PRISM *only on YouTube* 

Song # 16 - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

December 16

Song #16

"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear"

New challenge:

I could have just copied/pasted the lyrics, but instead, I chose to type them out myself. It turns out this is a great way to make sure I really know the words. It also shows me how many phrases I usually just glaze over without stopping to ask what they mean. For example, what on earth are cloven skies? No earthly idea. No heavenly idea, for that matter. (Ha! I crack myself up.) Well, as it turns out, it's a combination of both. Thanks to the folks over at Mental_Floss, I was able to learn this little tidbit:

"Still through the cloven skies they come," from "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." If you're like me, your first thought goes to "cloven hooves" and you wonder what that has to do with the birth of Jesus. The reason they're called cloven hooves is because cloven means split or parted - the song is referring to the parting of the clouds in the skies for angels to come down and sing."

Glad we got that cleared up! Now, here you go. Hand-typed lyrics just for you.

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, 

from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:

"Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven's all gracious King."

The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled,

and still their heavenly music floats o'er all the weary world;

above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing,

and ever o'er its Babel sounds, the blessed angels sing.

And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,

who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,

look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing

O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing!

For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,

when with the ever circling years shall come the time foretold

when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling,

and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.

This isn't the original hymn. The verses about war generally tend to be omitted. But isn't it amazing that a song written in the 1800's can still seem so relevant? We still need peace on earth just as much now as we did then.

It came upon the midnight clear - Frank Sinatra  Spotify  YouTube

Song #15 - Winter Wonderland

December 15
Song #15

"Winter Wonderland"

Have you ever experienced the perfect snowfall? I have. The night was clear and crisp, the sounds of the city were muted by the gently falling flakes, and time just seemed to stand still. Voices of laughter carried across the snow as I walked around my college campus, just taking it all in. It was the magic kind of snow, the kind that glittered like diamonds. I remember telling myself, "Remember this night, Kim. This is perfect snow."

I don't know; maybe it's because I was born during a near-blizzard, but snow always makes me happy. (Note: You can be simultaneously happy about snow but anxious for your commute.)

With such a small chance of snow this year, I am even more grateful for the big snows I have experienced in my life. Take it all in when you can! (And I don't just mean snow!)
Fingers crossed that we can all go walking in a winter wonderland this Christmas season!

It turns out there are a lot of terrible versions of this song out there. Here are some safe bets for you:

Winter Wonderland - Tony Bennett  Spotify YouTube
Winter Wonderland - Louis Armstrong Spotify YouTube
Winter Wonderland - Ella Fitzgerald Spotify YouTube
Winter Wonderland - Amy Grant Spotify YouTube

Song #14 - Angels We Have Heard on High

December 14
Song #14

"Angels We Have Heard on High"

As we near December 25th, I'll be sharing quite a few more traditional hymns with you. I don't necessarily have a witty story to accompany each one, but I decided I'd like to post the lyrics of these songs for you. Have you ever noticed that you often know a few verses of these songs really well, and other verses are, like, completely foreign? This post is dedicated to verse 4, which I totally forgot existed.

(By the way, my favorite part of this song to sing is the chorus! In case you were wondering, Gloria, in excelsis Deo is Latin for "Glory To God in the Highest!")

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav'nly song?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

"Glory to God in the Highest!"

What version do you like best?

My favorite versions are the straight up carols, sort of like THIS ONE.

But, here's another pretty good version (Amy Grant again. Surprised? You shouldn't be):

A Mighty Fortress / Angels We Have Heard on High - Amy Grant  Spotify  YouTube

Song #13 - Hark the Herald Angels Sing

December 13
Song #13

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

Hark the Herald Angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

What a triumphant song!

A few years ago during my year of service with AmeriCorps (Minnesota Reading Corps) I was volunteering some of my time in the Twin Cities with a talented choral group called VocalEssence. You may have heard them from time to time on a little show called A Prairie Home Companion.

During one of their Christmas performances, I learned something quite fascinating about this Christmas song. Did you know that the tune we all know and love did not originally go with these lyrics by Charles Wesley? The melody was actually composed by Felix Mendelssohn as an ode to Johann Gutenberg's invention of the PRINTING PRESS!! Woah.

So, imagine the song, and replace "Joyful, all ye nations rise!" With a resounding chorus of "Gutenberg!" It actually works.

This summer, I visited The British Library in London, and laid eyes on one of Gutenberg's Bibles! So amazing! The printing press truly revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge in our world. (That said, I hope the art of handwriting never dies! But that is a subject for a different day.) Wow. If ever an invention was worthy of a musical composition, the printing press is it.

And so, you can enjoy "Hark the Herald" on many levels! First and foremost, it has been turned into a triumphant announcement of the birth of the Prince of Peace! But behind that story, is another birth to be grateful for - the birth of the printing press. How fitting that the Bible was the first mass produced book, don't you think?

If you are ever in London, please do yourself a favor and go to the British Library! If this doesn't seem practical any time soon, go on a virtual visit, starting HERE. (Yes, I truly am a nerd, if you still had any doubt.)

Also, in fact-checking my blog for today, I found a most fitting NPR Segment featuring none other than Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director of VocalEssence! I realized this must have aired the year I was volunteering. It touches on the surprising origin of some Christmas carols and hymns, and he explains in 11 minutes what I attempted to explain in this blog, which took me over an hour to write. (But I sure had fun doing it!)

When it comes to these traditional Christmas songs, it's tricky to pick my favorite versions. The best versions are the ones you sing with others as you are "caroling out in the snow." However, here is just one of the versions I never tire of.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing performed by (surprise!) Amy Grant Spotify YouTube
Hark the Herald Angels Sing performed by Spotify YouTube

Song #12 - Handel's Messiah

Song #12

"Handel's Messiah"
in its entirety

Happy Saturday, everyone! The weekend has begun! Since we all have so much more time on the weekend (ha!), my song for today George Frideric Handel's "Messiah." The whole thing. I have just learned the official name for this type of musical composition, thanks, once again, to Wikipedia. It's called an oratorio, which is a "large, musical composition for orchestra, choir, and soloists."

Most people are probably most familiar with the "Hallelujah Chorus" but you are really missing out if this is your only exposure to Handel.

Now, I have grown up listening to different snippets of this oratorio (See? I'm practicing my new word!) but couldn't tell you what orchestra performs it best. I will have to get back to you on that. My current copy is performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

But, for your listening pleasure, I once again have YouTube to thank for this unabridged (I think) performance by The Choir of King's College, Cambridge. Enjoy!

For unto us a Child is born!

Song #11 - Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)

December 11
Song #11

"Breath of Heaven"

Everyone seems to be raving about a certain unnamed group of 5 singers' new version of "Mary's Song" these days. To be fair, they are talented, and their a cappella performance has caused a resurgence in the song's popularity. But that song has never been on the top of my list, regardless of who's singing it. It's too -- how shall I say this -- neat and tidy. Maybe not on its own, but when you compare it to my favorite "Mary Song," it loses its lustre. Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) is much more of an introspective prayer, and is, in my humble opinion, much grittier and more authentic. Sung from the perspective of Mary, it's a heartfelt prayer that shows Mary's vulnerability as well as her faith. Oh, that I might learn from Mary!

Breath of Heaven performed by Amy Grant Spotify YouTube

Honorable mention "Mary Song" today goes to "Ave Maria" sung by Rachel Lampa. Not available on Spotify, but here it is on YouTube.

Song #10 - The Christmas Song

December 10
Song #10

"The Christmas Song"
sung by Nat King Cole

There is just something about the way this song begins that makes me feel all warm inside! As soon as it starts, I instantly want to be next to a fire, roasting chestnuts. Well, not exactly. Can't say that I've ever eaten a chestnut (should probably remedy that). But I do love an open fire! I don't know, maybe it's the pace of the song. Even though there are still a million things I feel I need to do before Christmas, it makes me feel like I can slow down - even if it's only for a few minutes! But this song also reminds me that a rest is just around the corner. (Six more days of school until winter break! I can do it!!) Not only that, but it captures some of the magic of Christmas, don't you think? Hey, I still know that getting to bed early on Christmas Eve is important so that Santa can come!

"Although it's been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you!"

If you need a mini-break, just listen to Nat King Cole sing this song and allow yourself to slow down, even if just for the three minutes and 11 seconds. Ahh. 

The Christmas Song performed by Nat King Cole  Spotify  YouTube

Song #9 - What Child is This?

December 9 
Song #9

"What Child is This?"

There was never any doubt that this song would be on my list of favorites, but I realized that, as much as I love this song, I really do not have a preferred version. My favorite performer has always been me! What I mean to say is, this was always one of my favorite songs to play on my cello. I also love singing it as a Christmas carol -- I love the minor key and somber quality. (I'm not always dancing around, you see.) But who sings it best? Not me.

Of course, I like the Vince Guaraldi Trio version (from the Charlie Brown Christmas CD, which, it should go without saying, is a fantastic Christmas album in every way), and Trace Bundy's guitar version is also near and dear to my heart, as is Trace Bundy himself!

But what version with words best represents this song in its purest "Christmas Carol" form? Now accepting nominations.

What Child is This - Vince Guaraldi Trio  Spotify  YouTube
What Child is This - Trace Bundy  Spotify  YouTube

Do the comments even work on this thing?

Pause. Breathe. Celebrate.

December 8
Song #8

"I Celebrate the Day" by Relient K
&
"Bethlehem Morning" by Sandi Patty

It happens every year. The initial excitement of the season gives way to anxiety and stress as we try to cram every festive activity in to our already overloaded schedules. The days are short and time is at a premium. The Christmas letter you leisurely wrote the day after Thanksgiving remains unsent because you can't even find time to buy stamps. (Oh, wait. That last part was about me.) 

So today is about giving myself permission to pause. Breathe. And remember the real reason I'm celebrating this season: My Savior, Jesus Christ. Born in a humble stable, He came to bring hope and light into a dark world. Emmanuel! God With Us!

These two songs bring me right back to the real meaning of Christmas, and today I needed this. Maybe you do, too.


I Celebrate the Day by Relient K  (YouTube with lyrics) Spotify
Bethlehem Morning by Sandi Patty   Spotify  (Live YouTube recording - closest I could get)
(Lyrics HERE)

Song #7 - Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

December 7
Song #7

"Have a Holly Jolly Christmas"
performed by Burl Ives,
a.k.a. Sam the Snowman

Well, friends, here it is, December 7th already. Just 19 days to go, and I'm choosing WHAT for the top 25 list? Holly Jolly Christmas? Why, yes. Yes, I am. As the season kicks off, I crave a certain kind of "Christmas sound" to get me into the Christmas cheer. This "Christmas sound" is not hard to find - just follow the sound of jingle bells! Burl Ives captures Christmas cheer so wonderfully in this song. I'm sure the jingle bells help. 

Coincidence that "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" also happened to be featured in the 1964 Christmas special, Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer? I think not. (In case you didn't know, Rudolph is my ultimate, all-time, absolute FAVORITE Christmas movie. I guess it is fair to say I love every song in the movie. And if you ever watch Rudolph with me, I sing and quote the entire thing. Fair warning.) 

So,

Have a holly, jolly Christmas! It's the best time of the year. I don't know if there'll be snow, but have a cup of cheer!

Photo courtesy of: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Holly_Jolly_Christmas. 
Thanks, Wikipedia!


This song is best enjoyed while watching Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer, but just in case you don't have it handy, enjoy it here instead:

(Remember: if you are trying to use the Spotify links, you may need to launch from IE instead of Chrome if you are on a PC. Or, you can just skip Spotify and go straight to YouTube! Hopefully the links stay current!)

This one is the way it's performed in the movie:
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, from the Rudolph Soundtrack (which, if you don't have, you should get, because it's amazing!) Spotify  YouTube

And here's the "popular" version, which is equally great! 
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, "popular" version Spotify  YouTube

Song #6 - It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

December 6
Song #6

"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"

This weekend, I got to do quite a bit of Christmassing (which, by the way, is a verb meaning you are having fun doing things related to Christmas cheer). Yesterday, I had a wonderful day of Christmas baking with a dear friend. We baked three types of cookies, which was just the right amount to feel accomplished but not overwhelmed. Not only that, but my friend has a 14-month old, and somehow we still managed to pull it off! (Daddy helped, too.) Have you ever experienced singing and dancing to Christmas songs with a joyful 14 month old? If not, I highly suggest you find a kid and get to it. What pure joy! Oh, and she approved of the cookies.

Molasses sugar cookies, almond biscotti with lemon zest, and raspberry-almond shortbread cookies. Yum! Not pictured: batch #1 of the molasses sugar cookies with twice the amount of butter the recipe called for. (Never apologize for extra buttery cookies.) 

Then today, I went to downtown Seattle to see A Christmas Carol live at the ACT Theatre! (Thankfully, the Seahawks v. Vikings game final score came through to our phones 2 minutes before the show started, so we collectively did a cheer/sigh of relief for our team's 38-7 win today!)

The twinkle lights are out in full force downtown, and the drive home afforded many additional opportunities for viewing Christmas lights and Christmas Tree-laden cars. You know what? It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Perry Como  Spotify  YouTube
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Michael Buble  Spotify  YouTube
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Johnny Mathis  Spotify  YouTube

Song #5 - The Nutcracker Suite

December 5
Song #5

"The Nutcracker Suite"

Go with me here. I know that "The Nutcracker Suite" is more than just one song, but this is my blog and I can change the rules when I want. I say, Tchaikovsky's masterpiece is meant to be listened to in its entirety, so really, it is like one song...right? 

I'm not picky about versions as long as there are no synthetic sounds involved. Full orchestras, please. 

Some of you may consider this blasphemous, but I've never really been a fan of the ballet. (Of course, I wanted to be a ballerina when I was young, but that's beside the point.) But, Tchaikovsky is my favorite composer (I also love Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake) so it would stand to reason that I'd enjoy this music very much. Actually, the performance of the Nutcracker Suite that I like best (outside of pure listening, of course) hearkens back to my elementary and middle school years. Oh, heck. And my high school, college, and adult years. I've seen it countless times, and it never gets old. My family quotes lines from it year-round. Are you ready? It's

The Care Bears Nutcracker Suite!
(Here is the original VHS cover - just like my family had. I mean, has.)


If you haven't ever seen this gem, I highly recommend it! You can rent it or purchase it on Amazon Prime! Or come on over and watch with me because of course, I own it!

Even if you don't like the ballet, or The Care Bears, you can still enjoy this music!

Here you go:
I didn't preview this entire YouTube video, but it's over an hour long, so I have a good feeling about this one.

Short on time? One of my favorite movements is Op. 71, No. 1 - The Christmas Tree. 

Song #4 - Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

December 4
Song #4

"Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!"

Companion song: "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" for obvious reasons.

Oh, how I love snow! Maybe having a January birthday has something to do with it. Snow is beautiful, especially the sparkly kind. I love how it seems to mute everything and slow life down just a bit. It can turn a regular workday into something magical. I don't even mind shoveling - promise! 

That is why this year's forecast is particularly depressing. Take a look:

Now, the Seattle forecast is not the shock because we are never guaranteed snow. (And, as we learned last year, there is not even a guarantee of snow in the mountains! Global Warming is real, people.) On the other hand, what in the world is a Thunderstorm doing in the forecast?! That's a shock! (Global Warming is real, people.) 

No, the REAL shock is the forecast in the Icebox of the Nation, International Falls, Minnesota. My winter playground needs snow!! Less than 1 inch on Saturday? Pathetic. I need a Winter Wonderland! If the temperatures stay in the 30's and 40's, I won't even need my long underwear. That's just sad. (Never apologize for your long underwear.) Christmas is supposed to be cold and snowy if you live in the northern states. It's a rule. 

But, the wonderful thing about Christmas music, is that even if it doesn't quite portray our reality, we can still imagine, hope and dream, can't we? So, even if I don't have a White Christmas, it will be OK, because the JOY of the season transcends any kind of weather.

Here's my favorite versions to help you hope and dream!

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! by Dean Martin (Spotify) or YouTube
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Frank Sinatra (Spotify) or YouTube
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! by Ella Fitzgerald (Spotify) YouTube


AND...

White Christmas - Bing Crosby (Spotify) or YouTube
(Basically, this is the only version you need.)

Song #3 - That's What Christmas Means to Me

December 3
Song #3

"That's What Christmas Means To Me"
by Stevie Wonder

Surprise! It's another toe-tapper! I love songs that get me in the holiday mood, and Stevie delivers with this song! I must tell you that most of the songs you'll see on this top 25 list are songs that I've grown up hearing and/or are quite traditional. Today's song, however, did not reach my ears until I was already in college. 

For a brief time while attending North Park University in Chicago, I worked at The Gap at Old Orchard Shopping Mall in Skokie (shout-out to Matty and Rene!). Fun times, fun times. The BEST part about working at The Gap (other than getting to fold and put all the clothes back in order by size - always have had a librarian's heart for organization) was the Holiday Playlist. True, it may have broken my "no Christmas music before Thanksgiving" rule, but it sure made the hours of work more bearable! One of the songs on that playlist (which played over and over and over and over) was today's song - "That's What Christmas Means To Me." The true test of a good Christmas song is being able to listen to it repeatedly for weeks on end without ever tiring of it. It's been over 15 years, and I still love hearing this one! 

When I went back for my first shift after Christmas, there was a new playlist. I was crestfallen, and asked my manager about it. He told me he broke the CD he was so sick of it. (Yes, kids, back then we had to use these things called CDs to play music.) No more Christmas Playlist? Suddenly, my zeal for working at the Gap diminished.

Well, lucky for me, the playlist is seared into my memory, so I can recreate it whenever I like. 

Here's the Spotify Link to my favorite discovery from my days working at The Gap:

That's What Christmas Means To Me - Stevie Wonder

Don't have Spotify? Try your luck with this random YouTube link.


Side note: While I will tolerate most any Christmas song, not every song can make it to the top 25. Another song from the Gap Playlist that did NOT make my list was "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time" by Paul McCartney. Sorry, Paul. Not my style. Interestingly enough, "Cool it Now" by New Edition, which is NOT a Christmas song, feels like a Christmas song to me now due to its inclusion on the Gap Playlist for that month. Who knew working at The Gap would have such a profound influence on my life? Now, please excuse me while I go fold some clothes.