Can We Talk 2

Seasonal Music

         Some people complain about hearing Christmas music every where they go this time of year. How about music you don't choose all year long? Many stores play their music too loud, or the lyrics just aren't right for family shopping. You don't choose the music you hear the rest of the year, so why complain that someone else chooses for you in December?

         Frankly, I like it. I sometimes I hear covers that are new to me. I usually sing or hum along. I don't care what other people think. I know the lyrics, and many are full of memories. I also sing along with Beatle tunes, or Motown. If they played swing or Johnny Mathis any where, I'd sing along to those, too.

         I'm partial to any Christmas song by Johnny Mathis or Bing Crosby. I also like Alan Jackson, Burl Ives, Jimmy Buffet, and Gene Autrey Christmas albums. I used to have a John Denver Christmas album that I thought was a little unusual, but it was broken in a move. I like the carols that I know by heart from childhood (carols are religious only). These are great for singing to babies very softly. I recently saw Kelly Clarkson sing My Grownup Christmas List; her performance brought tears to my eyes.

         I could see myself running a year round Christmas shop. I would enjoy the lights, the trees, the ornaments all year long. That would mean Christmas music, too, but with a greater variety. I could play Handel's Messiah, or the full Nutcracker Suite. The fragrances of the season would be featured all the time. From a business point of view, you'd have to offer some anytime gifts, candles, or foods, to make sure customers came in even when they weren't planning Christmas decorating or gifts.

         Today I've been singing Mele Kelikimaka and Where Are You Christmas? You know I haven't heard Blue Christmas once this year. I'll sing that one next. I confess I have a weakness for Auld Lang Syne. There's just this beautiful melancholy air about it.