We have a tradition in our household, and it reflects back to the home in which I grew up. Back then, my mother would put a stack of vinyl Christmas albums on the record player that would fill the living room with the sounds of Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Dianna Shore, Frank Sinatra, and other great voices.
The rich sound of their voices singing both popular lyrics of their generation and wonderful Christmas Hymns resonated. Back in my youth, the school classes would learn the music of the hymns, songs that every Christian Church would share. I harken back to those years.
On Saturday, we asked “Alexa” to play Christmas music and the first song that filled our home was an old favorite. Saturday was Christmas decorating day. The tree was unpacked from the basement. The garlands, bows and ornaments were brought down from the cupboard upstairs. As we began putting the garland down the banister, “Alexa” played “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” sung by Perry Como. Yes, the decorations were making it feel like Christmas was on its way.
The bustle and hustle of Christmas shopping searching out the perfect gifts for our granddaughters was well underway. There will be homemade gifts for them. The song “Silver Bells” tells us the bustle of stores and shoppers. Our older children will receive much more mundane presents. Shopping for children is much more fun.
As the tree was lit, and the ornaments began filling the bows, a new song came from the television Christmas music channel. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and I found myself singing along with the music. I surprised myself at how many of the songs I knew the words to. It must be part of preparing for Christmas as all the favorite hymns and songs come back to our memories. Later as the stained-glass Christmas manger scene was laid out on the couch table “O little Town of Bethlehem” began playing.
Across the street our neighbors were putting on the Christmas lights and shining distinct colors onto the white stucco of their home. As the days shorten, and night comes earlier, I am encouraged by all the lights and decorations that remove the darkness from our lives. The lights proclaim that “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. I am not “Dreaming of a White Christmas” because the snow has already arrived. My sons will not be home for Christmas, but Christmas will still happen surrounded by family. Each song reminds us of the traditions that make the Christmas season so wonderful as the sounds of music, the smells of baking and the good wishes and salutations we extend to each other.
Former Publisher
Fort Frances Times
