I listen to Christmas music all year. I’m not embarrassed to admit it. I find that Christmas music evokes memories and all kinds of good feelings. When I was little, Christmas, to me, was listening to both sets of grandparents enjoy their favorite artists and songs on their vinyl record albums. It meant “Blue Christmas,” by Elvis Presley, “White Christmas,” by Bing Crosby, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” and “Here Comes Santa Claus,” by Gene Autry. It wasn’t so much the songs, but the happiness and holiday spirit it brought that I remember most.
My parents loved playing anything by the Gatlin Brothers, Andy Williams, Glen Campbell, Jack Jones and guitar music. It was so beautiful and peaceful. When I hear Christmas music, it feels like my parents are near me, and everything is right with the world.
When David and I were dating, it was the Carpenters’ “Merry Christmas, Darling,” or anything by Bobby Sherman or The Osmonds. I know, BIG surprise!
As I got older, I realized that the music that I loved so much wasn’t just about Christmas. It was about life, love, missing a loved one, being with that someone special, how it would be if war was over. “Believe,” by Josh Groban, from the movie, “Polar Express,” wasn’t just about Christmas, but every day of the year. Christmas songs aren’t always happy, like Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas,” or “Where Are You Christmas?” by Faith Hill, but what starts out sad turns into positive thinking and ways to turn your life around and find the happy.
If you were or are in the military, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” touches everyone’s heart. One year, David and I were on stage doing a tribute to the USO. David sang that song and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Another major memory in my heart.
I know the holidays have been hard, to say the very least, for so many since the pandemic sent us all kinds of obstacles and crazy times. Nobody can take away our Christmas music and the musical memories and the loved ones attached to them. “We Need a Little Christmas,” by Jerry Herman… now he had the right idea.
This year, give your children the love of Christmas music. It won’t be long before they will be making their own gift of music memories. If your kids are old enough, make a holiday game out of it. Play Name that Christmas Tune, or Christmas Charades. It won’t cost you anything, but it will give you wonderful Christmas memories.
