Well, kids, Turkey Day is finally over, it is December, and we can start talking about Christmas without anyone grumbling that it is too early! I absolutely adore Christmas music. I remember when I was a child, we had an upright piano, which my brother played. I used to love getting the Christmas songbooks out and reading the music. Once I could actually read the notes, I used to pluck the tunes out on the piano keys. Now, mind you, this behavior was not limited to December. I used to do it all. year. round. My poor parents, it must have driven them bananas!As an adult, I still enjoy Christmas music all year round. I think it is because there is such a diversity in styles. Sacred, secular, classical, country, indie rock (oh yeah, I totally have an indie rock Christmas cd). And my absolute favorite Christmas album is by Barbara Streisand. Who, as you know, is Jewish. I think that irony is a little awesome.
I think I will probably have Christmas playlists all month, each one focusing on something specific. This week I am focusing on Kris Kringle. Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas. Father Christmas. He goes by many names, but we all know who he is. The jolly fat man in the red suit who brings you gifts. I know some people do not like the Santa mythos, because it detracts from the real meaning of Christmas. I personally think Santa can add to the magic of Christmas, and can be reconciled nicely with the religious significance of the holiday (I know several people who do this well with their kids). Many people remember being traumatized when they learned the truth about Santa, but I do not. In fact, I do not even remember when I stopped believing. I think it is because a part of me still wants to believe in the magic of Santa Claus.
So, while Santa may no longer be the one putting gifts under my tree each year, his spirit still lives in my home, particularly through music.
