It’s just past Halloween, and I’m listening to Christmas music. Some of you will stop reading right now. “Too soon,” you’ll scoff. “Too treacly.” Some of you will understand. You know who you are, and you’re already watching Hallmark holiday movies.
I love those J I N G L E bells, Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” and Mannheim Steamroller’s takes on the classics.
Bing Crosby’s songs were my parents’ favorites. My brother loved “Snoopy’s Christmas.” Dan Fogelberg’s bittersweet “Same Auld Lang Syne” is a favorite from my college years.
These are my musical keepsakes, touchstones to my childhood and our daughters’ early years. For me, the music is comforting, a reminder to keep things simple.
But I know the season is not a happy time for many folks. In its pretty paper wrappings, it bears stress, impossible expectations and shadows from the past. There’s also the all-consuming retail madness, which busts budgets as well as spirits.
So I’ll keep the music low key for now. But at some point, you’ll catch me humming “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”
More Christmas essays
A Christmas memory, ever so strong
A not-so-vintage Christmas tradition
Have yourself a morbid little Christmas
My childhood crush on Scrooge McDuck
My middle-age encounter with Clarence
Thanks for this sweetness, Liz. While not listening to holiday music–yet–I am working on the annual ornaments I give to my family and close friends and neighbors already. I’m early this year, which makes me happy. So, go ahead, listen to those beloved carols.
Ahh thanks Darlene. The season is meant for sharing.