Our stores, streets, and neighbourhoods have taken on all the sparkling glitz and glamour of the Christmas season, and as the calendar flips into December the airwaves will become filled with the delightful songs and sounds of the glorious occasion. No matter what age or nationality we are one can’t help getting into the mood with the music of the season, whether it be the age-old traditional favourites or the new trends of our modern era.
Music has always been a universal language, one that we can all associate with, and feel good about, no matter what theme we choose. The greatest bonus of music and song is that it is free and fun for the whole family; it can be soothing, exciting, inspiring, romantic, or melancholy; and has always had a very special place and purpose in so many occasions of our hectic lives. Whether we tune into songs on our radios, televisions, ipods, or just about anywhere we pop into, music has kind of a magical way of encouraging us to sing, swing, or sway; while catching the spirit of the season, or simply the day at hand.
Of course there are the old and the new crooners and bands who have been spinning their unique styles for decades, and thank goodness that our privilege of choice will never change when it comes to music. Historians claim that music has been in existence for over 50,000 years, and it’s rapid growth and popularity has been based on culture, as well as economic organization and experience. The sounds, the songs, and the instruments started out as primitive sounds and movement, then quickly advanced to the classically modern and up-beat styles of jazz, country and western, opera, rock, bee-bop, and who knows what else. I do sometimes wonder while watching the antics of some at Karaokes, staff parties, and other assorted functions; that as we all let loose just a little, we may quite possibly be going back to that primitive era, at least for a few jolly hours?
Getting back to the Christmas theme, I am sure that there are quite a few of us that still have some of those cherished old 45 to 78 and long-playing records or tapes stashed away in our musical memory archives? What comes to mind are songs like: White Christmas, Jingle Bells, I’ll be home for Christmas, Rocking around the Christmas tree, Santa Baby, Holly Jolly Xmas, Blue Christmas, and so many other favourites crooned by the likes of Chubby Checker, Elvis, Burle Ives, Tony Bennett, Bing Crosby. Frank Sinatra, the Four Seasons, Abba, the Chipmunks, the Grinch, and all the rest. Now we have a whole crop of new artists joining the mix, including New Kids, Madonna, Helix, Allan Jackson, Celine Dion, and more; adding such delightful songs as I want a Hippopotamus and Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer; while making some zippy updates to classics like Six White Boomers, 12 Days of Christmas, and on and on.
They even have a 24-hour television channel with a roaring fireplace and continuous music; and we will be blessed with all that holiday music at least until Boxing Day when the bargains take over.
Just like mistletoe, church bells, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire; all of us can relate to the grand traditions of those beloved and classic carols, which for centuries have been echoing the true story of Christmas in every language throughout the world. Most of us have likely sang in a choir at school or at church, performing at various Yuletide functions throughout the community, or simply spreading joy and fellowship around the neighbourhood, asking only for a little cheer and the odd steaming cup of hot chocolate. We will never forget taking part in that glorious Nativity scene depicting the night before Christmas; where we were honoured to be angels, or Kings, or Sheppard’s for just a little while.
Whatever the case, hopefully all of you will enjoy the great music of Christmas, and what-ever your favourite may be, please don’t hesitate to join in and sing-a-long with the rhythm, and if you are a little out of tune, don’t worry, because it all sounds just great.
Christmas shopping can be fun
*A woman went up to a toy counter and said: “Do you have any electric trains for advanced children?” The clerk replied, “What age do you consider advanced?” ‘47’ she answered.
*He gave his son a battery-operated tank, battery operated ray gun, and a battery operated train set, and he loves them. All day long he sits around and makes towers out of the batteries. Keep your eye out for meteorites, and have a great warm week, all of you.