All I want for Christmas is? Music!
Everyone has something about the holiday season that is their favorite. For some, it may be baking and cooking. For others, it is buying (or making) the perfect gift for everyone on their list. Then there is time with family and friends. Finally, many people love the season because of what it represents for their faith.
But what seems to be almost universal that everyone loves is the music of the season. Yes, some are bah humbug even about the music, but it’s rare. So even where we have opinions about when the music should begin, we agree that it’s an important, even vital part of the season.
Why is that? Many schools of thought on this, but everyone seems to agree that overall, it just makes us feel good.
One point often overlooked is how easily we cross generations with Christmas music. I was surprised to read millennials are big fans! It’s true! But what was even more remarkable was what kind of Christmas music they loved. It’s not contemporary. It’s music that is several decades old! They prefer music from before 1970. They want to be reminded of their childhood, and Christmas music does that for them.
It makes us feel good and crosses generations to bring us together.
When I thought about some of my favorites, I realized they came from movies. It’s not surprising as soundtracks and films have always been a favorite for me in any season. One of my favorites is also one of the best-selling songs of all time.
The song? White Christmas, written by Irving Berlin and recorded by Bing Crosby.
The movie? Holiday Inn
It was one of my Dad’s favorites and part of our family traditions. We watched it together every year. Even after he left us, that practice continued, and we watched it with him in spirit and relished the memories every time.
I recently read an article that quoted the poet and journalist Carl Sandburg about that exact song. His words were these: When we sing that song, we don’t hate anybody.
Can you imagine a better tribute to anything? Especially a song? Especially now?
Perhaps, in the end, that’s why Christmas music is so important to us. When it seems that kindness is at a premium, those songs touch us in a place that brings back the neighbor in all of us.
If ever we need to re-visit those soundtracks of our lives, it’s now.
Let’s all resolve to put all our worries and fears behind us and let the spirit and beauty of the music carry us. I’ve begun to think of it just that way. It’s more than just a seasonal thing. It holds the potential to be a carrier of everything good about the season beyond the few weeks it’s here.
What do we all want for Christmas? Turns out it is music!
Fa la la la la!
