Tag: holiday music

When Christmas Feels Un-Christmaslike… #ChristmasAlwaysFindsMe

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Let’s be real.

This year has been HARD. For EVERYONE.

We’re all struggling to find joy, peace, and silver linings.

Some turn inward to find that peace.

And while I definitely search internally for comfort and calm, my Christmas Joy comes with bringing it to others.

Yesterday I did a little thing. It wasn’t much, but it made a difference. I went to the Dollar Tree yesterday after work and picked up a bunch of garland, window clings, and little Santas and Elves. Today I brought them to work and we used them to decorate all of our work station cubicles, spreading a little cheer.

In my alternate universe I’m an alarm dispatcher for security companies. Not exactly a “no stress” job. We need a little Christmas there.

To watch the faces of my work peeps brighten and to see them getting excited about decorating their stations made my whole day!

And it seems I’m not the only one feeling the need to give…

Hubby called me at work to see how I felt about adopting a family in need and making Christmas special for them. We picked a single mom with 5 children between the ages of 10-2. No child should have to miss out on the magic of Christmas.

As many of my long term readers know, I’m a military brat.

Christmas in the Phillipines (I’m Mary)

We moved. A lot.

Somehow, Christmas still found it’s way into my heart and soul….so this song by the incredibly talented new(ish) artist, Ingrid Andress, really spoke to me on a deep level.

Wherever you are…

Whatever you’re doing….

My greatest wish for you this holiday season?

That Christmas finds you.

*hugs*

Heartfelt Holidays #MyChristmasPlaylist

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Confession time… Although I love Christmas, I hate being cold. Thus, I hate winter. With a passion.

The taller little one is me… Surviving Winter (in Germany)

It was actually a big considering factor for me when I decided to move to Florida in 1999. Yes, I’ve been in cold climates. Lived in both Germany and Chicago. I’ve lived in warm ones, too… Hello Philippines.

Now, I don’t know if that particular opinion is an unpopular one or not, but we can always take a poll…

What’s your favorite season? What about holiday?

And is there anything about the holiday you love that may be considered an unpopular opinion?

*psst* My secret is that I can’t stand Love, Actually (the movie).

I know.

I know…

It makes me a heathen.

Still DON’T LIKE IT!

My most favorite thing of all? Christmas Music! One of my all time favorites is Amy Grant‘s Tender Tennessee Christmas.

Isn’t it awesome that my newest favorite group, Home Free, covered it with they talented Rachel Wammack? Take a listen and see if you don’t understand a little bit of why I’m now a dedicated Home Fry (what they call Home Free aficionados).

Does this not help to make your season bright?

These guys are AWESOME!

Have you heard of these guys? Are you a fan? What’s your favorite Christmas song?

Merry Mercenary Christmas?

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I’ll be honest… I love this song. I think it’s fun and flirty and playful. 

But, I don’t really take this particular song past that because the words are a bit mercenary. It’s really all “me, me, me” and places a ton of value in things that don’t really matter. I’m sure, by the earlier songs, you’ve already figured out where my values are….

Are there songs you enjoy, but don’t embrace the concepts?

And So, It Begins….

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December is officially here! The holiday season is upon us. It’s now okay for folks to pull out their colorful decorations, wreaths, and bows to decorate their homes in brightly lit welcome.

Yes, I love this time of year, and as is my tradition on this blog… The daily sharing of holiday music begins.

Do you love or hate this time of year? What drives your feelings? I know this time of year isn’t easy for many, and that’s okay… I’m sending virtual hugs to all of you who struggle. Heck, I’ve got hugs for everyone.

Today I’m also thankful that hubby is okay after getting in a car accident on his way home from work yesterday. Some might focus on the accident, but I’m choosing to focus on the guardian angel that made sure he and the person who hit him were okay.

Celebrating Originality this Holiday Season

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I’m such an Ella Fitzgerald fan that I couldn’t let this holiday go without sharing her magnificent, fun self.

Rudolph’s story has always had a soft spot in my heart because he was different, picked on, and laughed at….but his beautiful originality was what wound up saving Christmas. Just goes to show that being unique is a gift, not a curse. We need to better learn to embrace it.

Skate Away this Holiday

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I think the first time I heard The River was when Robert Downey, Jr. sang it on Ally McBeal. There was a depth of emotion and passion within the heartbreak that moved me. The song was originally written and performed by Joni Mitchell, she has always been a mistress of powerful lyrics.

I recently found this recording of the song performed by Sam Palladino from the tv show Nashville and was moved once more by his purity in vocals…and clarity. They complimented the lyrics in the most awesome way. Let me know what you think!