Did I mention that I was very excited about this challenge? So much so that I am going to try and post about it whatever chance I have! Since I am already entertaining my friends with Christmas music, it seems only fair to talk about this first.So, first I am going to tie Christmas Tradition with Christmas Music. My mother claims that since I was very little I have had a strong liking for one particular Christmas song. I went through periods where I would not go to sleep without hearing the song. To this day, the song STILL drives my mother nuts, but I am in my 20's and Christmas is not Christmas without my Christmas song. So, what's the song? Don't laugh. The Twelve Days of Christmas sung by John Denver and the Muppets. I have listened to it every year since I was little. I wonder sometimes if I even like it anymore, or if it is just tradition. I would love to have a Christmas tree one year and have the Twelve Days of Christmas ornaments. It always reminds me of the second Home Alone. I am not a major fan, but remember when Kevin gets the two Turtle Doves for saving the toy store?
I am big on Christmas carols. Growing up I knew way more words to way more carols than my friends. We would walk down the street and sing them at the top of our lungs, and I would be the one filling in the blank spots. Each year there is always one Christmas Carol that strikes me and I have to listen to over and over again. Two years ago, my Christmas song was Christmas Shoes sung by Bob Carlisle. To me, it just captures the true meaning of Christmas. It is the song that I have been listening to over and over again already for this holiday season, but that does not mean that something else won't strike my fancy. I like this song so much that I had it on in the background and my friend called... I totally was pretty much singing along, and I CAN'T sing. Here are the lyrics. Everyone needs to listen to this song:
It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say
Chorus:
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes
So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight
Bridge:
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about
Repeat Chorus
Last year I stepped back in time a bit. My favourite Christmas song of last year was Holly Jolly Christmas. I do not know why, but I just loved it last year. I do not have a certain version, I just like it. It is hard to explain. I have to laugh, the version I do have claims to be Alan Jackson.... no way is it Alan Jackson. I don't even listen to him and I know that! It's a fun song. Lyrics:
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.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas;
And when you walk down the street
Say Hello to friends you know
and everyone you meet.
Oh, ho, the mistletoe
hung where you can see;
Somebody waits for you;
Kiss her once for me.
Have a holly jolly Christmas,
and in case you didn't hear,
Oh by golly, have a holly,
jolly Christmas this year.
There are so many other songs I could talk about! I really like The Magic of Christmas Day by Celine Dion.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
It's the season to be jolly
And be thankful for all that we have
All the lights and decorations
Put up in the anticipation
Of the joyful celebration
That's on its way
We're counting the days
'Til it's time for Christmas day
Oh and God bless us everyone
The good and the bad
The happy; the sad
Oh and God bless us everyone
Here's to family and friends
It's good to be here again
On the streets there's children laughing
People smile as they are passing
Christmas time is here, our waiting is done
Wishing it could last forever
Not just twelve days in December
Through the year let's try to remember
That special way
That everyone feels
It's the magic of Christmas day
Oh and God bless us everyone
The good and the bad
The happy; the sad
Oh and God bless us everyone
Here's to family and friends
It's good to be here again
So fill your heart with love and joy
And through the eyes of girls and boys
Share their wonder, live through their joy
It's easy to do, just open your heart
The spirit will come to you
Oh and God bless us everyone
The good and the bad
The happy; the sad
Oh and God bless us everyone
Here's to family and friends
It's good to be here again
That's four... I could say SO much more, but I will leave it to that today.
