Holiday Music Thread (assembly instructions included)

[Jersey Girl]

Here it is. Friends this has been a challenging year for me to say the least. Sickness, storm recovery, basic upheaval, and I just came up for air on the heels of this art association thing I do this time of year. In the aftermath of all the aforementioned plagues, the homestead needs a good bulldozing. I would like to be able to open a thread here, just one thread, when I take a break and see something pleasant, nay, inspirational! No political debates. No religious debates. No smacking the other guy upside the head or ragging on anyone's choices. You know how we do.

So this is what we're gonna do. We're going to build a thread as follows:

1. Post links to your favorite holiday music on this thread from any genre'. Religious, popular, classic, rock, country, et cetera and et cetera. (That last bit is from The King and I in case you don't recognize it).

2. Holiday music defined as follows: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

3. When you post a link please share with the class why it is one of your favorites or what it means to you.

4. Do not make snarky comments about the offerings of the friend sitting next to you. Remember what Thumper's mother said:

If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all

Got it?

You sure?

You read the 4 rules, right?

Help a girl out. Okay...go!



p.s. Be nice!

[Jersey Girl]

You knew I had one ready, right?

Following is the first ever official music video of Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree. That's right. Miss Lee, now age 78, has come out with a music video some 65 years after she first recorded and made popular this well known Christmas rock song! Watch for a surprise cameo appearance!

Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree (Official Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFsZy9t-qDc

Why this song: I heard it all my childhood and beyond. It brings back fond memories of learning to dance the jitterbug in our living room with family members. In my house, everyone danced except the family pets though I am sure they were my occasional dance partners! It makes me think of happier days in my growing up years before my family blew up and later of teaching my children to dance to it, too.

Enjoy!

Jersey Girl

[Some Schmo]

I like the melody for Oh Holy Night. It's as Christmasy for me as it gets.

I also really like Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon.

[Jersey Girl]

Oh I like that one, Schmo! It's taken it's place with traditional holiday songs!

[Res Ipsa]

Tim Minchin -- White Wine in the Sun
https://youtu.be/fCNvZqpa-7Q?si=FekWJu8fAnx_5AdT

When I was kid, we'd pack up the car and drive from the Pacific Northwest to the little town of Raymond, Alberta. We called it "going home for Christmas." It was all about family; so is this song. I get teary at the end.

[Jersey Girl]

I could not make a holiday music thread without this.

Silver Bells - Kate Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HjbU8m0aHw

Why: It was part of the background of my childhood Christmases and traditions. It reminds me of driving up to Newark to a store called Bamberger's (Bam's) to have my picture taken with Santa. Red and green lights on the Parkway going up. The streets were donned with light up garland strung up like Christmas buntings...bells and other large ornaments in the middle. Street lamps were wrapped the same way. Salvation Army bellringers (silver bells) stationed with their kettles near storefronts.

It's got every single image of that tradition.

And when I hear it, I can still hear my mother's voice singing it. I ( since I've gotten older) and one of my children have the same or voice so if I or both of us sing it...I get to hear Ma's voice again. It's one of my personal heart treasures.

[Jersey Girl]

I like the melody for Oh Holy Night. It's as Christmasy for me as it gets.

Schmo I have something for you. I love hammered dulcimer. I hope you like this version.

O Holy Night | Hammered Dulcimer Christmas Music by Joshua Messick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPZwTHxfDWw

[Some Schmo]

I like the melody for Oh Holy Night. It's as Christmasy for me as it gets.

Schmo I have something for you. I love hammered dulcimer. I hope you like this version.

O Holy Night | Hammered Dulcimer Christmas Music by Joshua Messick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPZwTHxfDWw

That was awesome. He's one talented percussionist.

Thanks for sharing!

[msnobody]

Tim Minchin -- White Wine in the Sun
https://youtu.be/fCNvZqpa-7Q?si=FekWJu8fAnx_5AdT

When I was kid, we'd pack up the car and drive from the Pacific Northwest to the little town of Raymond, Alberta. We called it "going home for Christmas." It was all about family; so is this song. I get teary at the end.

Some of the lyrics do call for introspection. It’s probably a topic for another thread; what it’s like for the non-believer looking in (into Christmas/Christmas celebrations).

[Res Ipsa]

Tim Minchin -- White Wine in the Sun
https://youtu.be/fCNvZqpa-7Q?si=FekWJu8fAnx_5AdT

When I was kid, we'd pack up the car and drive from the Pacific Northwest to the little town of Raymond, Alberta. We called it "going home for Christmas." It was all about family; so is this song. I get teary at the end.

Some of the lyrics do call for introspection. It’s probably a topic for another thread; what it’s like for the non-believer looking in (into Christmas/Christmas celebrations).

Agreed.