I love the seasonal song Sleigh Ride, it is such a fun tune and singing along with "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" in the car makes Regina roll her eyes, but I love that song, it is so clever. But I must say that the most uplifting song of the season is "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" sung by Andy Williams (nobody else does it as well. Johnny Mathis...please..) The tune and the words are hard to sing without a smile. The lyrics give an off handed reference to the reason for it being so wonderful in the words "and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago." This isn't much, but, I guess it makes it a Christmas song.
I celebrate the season because it has been deemed in the Church year as when we start the journey of faith that climaxes with Easter,but I don't have an issue with Andy's truly secular song. It brings me joy. I don't even get tired of seeing Andy lip sync it in the commercials for his show in Branson, Mo. He smiles and gestures just as I remember he did when I was a child watching on a black and white television.(Note to myself, when Andy sings he spreads his arms wide, a great gesture of hospitality.)
For me the lyrics are a great example of how words can influence our minds. I can hear the carolers,see their rosy cheeks and feel the cheer.And the constant ringing in my ears is now the sound of jingle bells. The words are not so specific that my imagination and memory are locked to certain times. It's the "hap-happiest season of all.", and it brings memories and helps fuel new ones.
I'm writing this so I can really think about how this song has changed for me. As I have gotten older (or if you prefer, aged, matured, grown up) the one line in the song that really rings true is "and hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near, it's the most wonderful time of the year." All the other references take me back in memory, but this one line is applicable to NOW! I realize how time is truly passing, passing quickly, I try to remember that that moment, whether it is Christmas or March 13 is the most wonderful time of the year. I am truly blessed with family. At Thanksgiving we were able to take our own family portrait, to which the most recent piece , Jaxon, was added. The fun we had doing it warmed my heart, it was at this point I could have sung "It's the most wonderful time of the year", but there's more to come. Tomorrow night preschool Christmas program, always fun.
So, my friends there you have it. Thanksgiving is a week past, but we are still eating leftover ham and enjoying the heart glow that being with all family can bring.
As our friend Sue E. continually reminds us "It's gonna be Christmas!", but even now, it's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Peace my friends.
