Here's a Little Hope for the Holidays

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For me, going back to the age of 7 or so, the holidays have always been about music.  I sang my first solo in church when I was in 2nd grade.  The choir director wanted a child to sing one of the verses of the well-known song "Birthday of a King," and I happened to be the only child who could hit the high note accurately.


Christmas choir



Musical holidays


And ever since, I've been busy singing during the month of December.  From church choir concerts and caroling, to solo gigs in Handel's "Messiah," Vivaldi's "Gloria," or works by Bach, Saint-Saëns, and others, all the way to the role of the Gingerbread Witch in Humperdinck's "Hänsel und Gretel," Christmas has meant music.


Until this year.


I'm lucky, because at least I don't rely on the income from my music career.  It's always been a side gig for me.  Musicians, actors, dancers, stagehands, and other professionals have struggled in the era of COVID.


It's literally been a dark season.


I've found solace in listening to Christmas music online, and it has amazed me once again how much the glorious music of the past several centuries raises my spirits and puts me in a holiday mood.  Do you feel the same way?




A song for us in 2020


Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light;
Next year, all our troubles will be out of sight.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yuletide gay;
Next year, all our troubles will be miles away.

Once again, as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore,
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Someday soon we all will be together
If the fates allow.
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough,
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.


The tune (by Hugh Martin) is a little melancholy, but so beautiful, and the words (by Ralph Blane) are the epitome of hope.  Listen to my favorite classic rendition by Frank Sinatra, then hear how Pentatonix turns it into an upbeat dance tune!


I sincerely hope you have a Christmas full of faith and comfort.


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