Are you listening?
Yes, I am! Thanksgiving's over so tis the season for marathon listening to my collection of jingle bells, deck the halls, white Christmas and the myriad of cd's that only seem appropriate to play this time of year. I must have over one hundred cd's that fit the bill. Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah or just plain ol' winter hummings; I've got them. I'm not much of a winter outdoors person, so listening to this music, wrapped in a snuggly afghan with a cup of hot chocolate is pure heaven.
I have my favorites, both albums and songs and if I hear something new that I like I just have to have it. One year my husband and I were at a holiday concert at Longwood Gardens in Delaware and I heard a choir sing the beautiful O Sifuni Mungu (All Creatures of Our God and King) and fell in love with this soulful song. I finally was able to locate one version by Saint Olaf's Choir on their album, Choral Tapestry. Definitely Christian/gospel it starts slow and then gets into the rhythm Lifts me up every time I hear it. Not strictly Christmas it seems to pop up as a song at holiday concerts due to its theme of praise. Doing a quick search on the net today, I see there are more versions available now. You can hear it on youtube.com if interested.
From the lighthearted tunes like these two by Brenda Lee, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, and Jingle Bell Rock, to the more traditional songs like Light One Candle and O Come, O Come Emmanuel on Peter, Paul and Mary's A Holiday Celebration, this is my month to listen.
How about you? Do you have a favorite seasonal song or album, one you just have to listen to this time of year? I'd love to hear. Maybe I'll find a new gem to add to my collection.
Saxton B. has lots of good music to put you in the spirit. Here's a few to make your days merry and bright...
Time-Life Treasur of Christmas ~ Various
Charlie Brown Christmas ~ VInce Guaraldi
Candles, Snow and Mistletoe ~ Sharon, Lois & Bram
Christmas in Connecticut ~ Featuring Local Connecticut Artists