It’s the happ-happiest season of all! I love the holidays, and this year, I got to put up my trees, get presents bought mostly in advance (although I’m still delivering them). I even found something for Russ that he told me he liked. He’s the hardest person to buy for in the world!
I’ve been celebrating for weeks now, going to concerts and plays. It started on December 6, when Kandy took me to Wohlfahrt Haus to see A Motown Christmas, which was a great tribute to Motown artists’ covers of Christmas classics. I had never heard the song “Purple Snowflakes” before, but loved it. And when they did the Jackson 5 Christmas Medley, it not only made my day, but it inspired me to get on ebay and find a new copy of a Jackson 5 CD, which I’m finally taking the time to listen to as I write this blog. I always enjoy the Christmas programs at the Wohlfahrt Haus. The first half is always more light-hearted, fun-loving tunes, then the second half is more sacred, traditional tunes, against the backdrop of the Christmas Story from the Christian tradition. It always reminds me of childhood because so many of those great Christmas carols were part of my annual traditions.
On December 13, I went to the Hard Rock here in Bristol to see Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder do a Christmas show. It was well-played but was not nearly Christmas-y enough for my tastes. As he is part of such a rich bluegrass background, I really thought it would be more traditional music. There were lots of “new” songs and even songs I’d never herd of. So, I left rather disappointed with that one.
This past weekend was just about perfect, though. Russ took me to Nashville to see Amy Grant and Vince Gill do their Christmas show at The Ryman. It was spectacular! I was transported back in time with many of the carols. I love watching the two of them interact. You can just feel the love they have for one another. And two of their daughters were part of the show, too. Perhaps the highlight of a show of highlights for me was when, at the end of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” Amy broke out into her 80s contemporary Christian hit, “Emmanuel.” I nearly stood up and cheered! The only thing better would have been if she had somehow worked in “El Shaddai.” During one of the songs, they threw lightweight “snowballs” out into the crowd. The upstairs ushers must have had some, too, because Russ got hit with one in the shoulder and found a second on the way out. So, even though we were up in the balcony, I got snowballs from the show. During that song, Amy also sang while she hula-hooped. There’s just no end to that woman’s talents!
I’ve also enjoyed the many cards we’ve received. I sent out about 200 cards this year. It’s a lot of work, but I love doing it. It’s another carryover from my youth. Christmas cards were a huge deal to my Mamaw Little. You sent a card to everyone you knew. It was a celebration to receive one, and each one was hung on the door facing going into the kitchen. And if we ran out of room there, subsequent door facings were used. It was a festival of cards. She would lovingly go over and read who they were from often throughout the holidays. I miss those days. She loved Christmas traditions. She taught me to love Christmas traditions.
It is also at this time of year that I think most of my Emory & Henry family. For they were the ones who taught me the holidays didn’t have to be a time of dread. That not everyone argued and disagreed during the holidays. My E&H family taught me the things that matter most, I think, not just at the holidays, but overall, about love, kindness, and giving.
Well, the Jackson 5 CD has finished playing, so I suppose I should wrap up this blog. I love the CD as much as I knew I would. Next up? Straight No Chaser’s Social Christmasing Deluxe Edition – I LOVE their version of “Twelve Days of Christmas!” (Hello – “Africa” by Toto fit into a Christmas carol? Yes, thank you!)
Peace and love to each of you, wherever you are. And remember, in the words of Bon Jovi, “Welcome to Wherever You Are,” at Christmas, and all year long!
Recent Comments