Good morning! Have you had your coffee yet? If not coffee, that first cup of magic that starts your day just right? Guess what was behind door number four on the advent calendar?? Another chocolate one:) As hesitant as I was to try yesterday’s amaretto, well, I was just that excited to try today’s chocolate and pistachio! I love that combination. But, honestly, I did not really taste the chocolate or the pistachio!? Just a nice, smooth cup of coffee. So, no complaints from me. How was your morning? Or, perhaps some of you have not even had your coffee yet. Some of you start your blog reading quite early in the morning. I’m impressed. And rather honored that you take the time to come by this space of mine as you begin your day! I really do appreciate you!
Today’s post will not be long. We are headed to the airport later and, then, let some weekend fun begin! Tonight, we are going the concert that I mentioned yesterday. I’m looking forward to going into the city, although I will admit that doing so does make me nervous. More edgy than I ever used to feel when we go downtown. The times we live in are dangerous. I do not want to live in fear….and, so, I will go. And I really am looking forward to some Christmas music.
Maybe I have music on my mind (and I have been trying to keep a song in my heart!), but I thought I would ask today, “What is your favorite Christmas song?” (By the way, I really appreciate those who shared their favorite Christmas movie on Tuesday! I learned of two new ones that I’ve never even heard the title of before, and was reminded of several “oldies but goodies” that had not come to mind the other day.) But today, let’s think about songs. Honestly, right off the bat I can think of several songs that I do.not.like (at all). In my opinion, they seem to get way too much air time whenever I hear Christmas music playing. I’m not even going to mention them (there are several) because I am determined to be positive…and cheery. Christmas cheery:)
There are several songs that I really enjoy during this season. Some are fun. A few even silly. Of course, there are several traditional carols that I would include on a favorites list. Away in the Manger would be at the top. I love to have the children sing that each year. We do all the sign language as they sing and it always melts my heart. Such a sweet song. I have to confess, though, it is not a carol that is my number one favorite. Nope. My favorite holiday song is Sleigh Ride. I’m referring to the orchestra piece composed by Leroy Anderson in 1946 and first performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1948. Definitely an “oldie but goodie”!! Christmas is just not complete, for me, until I have heard, and conducted along with, an orchestra playing this song!! I have often thought I should master an instrument just so I can join an orchestra – for the sole purpose of playing Sleigh Ride each Christmas!! You can enjoy it here. If you only have a minute, you can enjoy the wonderful horse whinnying at 2:45. Yes, you are welcome!!
I had to stop and listent myself. Yep, now I am smiling. It never fails to make me happy. I hope you have a favorite. I hope it makes your heart lighter. Happier. Enjoy your song today. And please share it with me in the comments. Thanks, friends. I plan to be back tomorrow. So much posting for this girl! I hope you will stop by again.
Yes, so much posting it! You are, as the kids say, slaying it. May I add my middle age festive twist that incorporates your favorite Christmas song and say that you are ¨sleighing¨ it? I hope you enjoy your concert tonight. My favorite Christmas song is ¨I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day¨ preferably by Casting Crowns. I love the lyrics and the music. I listen to it usually at least once a day. Have a great day!
I read that first line and immediately thought, “no, I’m sleighing it…” before I finished reading your sentence. Haha. Two middle aged brilliant minds!!:)
I have always loved “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives. A true oldie but goodie. (:
That is a happy one, for sure, Gina!!
There is a Breakfast Blend from San Francisco Bay Coffee Co. in my mug this morning. My favorite Christmas hymn is O Holy Night. For fun, Jingle Bells and Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. Enjoy your time at the concert tonight, Jennifer.
Hope you enjoyed that morning breakfast blend!! Thanks for joining the conversation, Robin!!
Sleigh Ride is definitely a great song to get into the Christmas spirit. I know the Leroy Anderson one and I’m always bopping my head to it when it plays. My daughter tap danced to the Ronettes version last year for her recital so whenever I hear that one I always picture her and the class tapping away. It’s hard for me to pinpoint a favorite when it comes to Christmas music. I love all the ones about Jesus like Oh Holy Night, Silent Night, Away in the Manger, etc. and I also like the happy, upbeat ones like Sleigh Ride and Rocking around the Christmas Tree. I do like Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant and Where Are You Christmas that was played in the Grinch movie, because those songs pertain to an adult’s feelings towards the holiday. I don’t enjoy the sad, heartbreak songs or Santa Baby. Ahhh, sorry there’s just to many good ones for me to name.
Oh yes, I was listening to Grown Up Christmas List just the other day in the car. I love that whole Christmas CD by Amy Grant!! There are a lot of good ones…once you start thinking about them all!! Glad you joined us today, Dawn!
I noticed in the piece from Youtube you shared featured several Russian Troikas (sleighs pulled by three horses). That made me smile. One of my favorite newer Christmas songs is Adore by Chris Tomlin. I have many favorites from traditional songs. My Christmas CDS are in my player and I love having them going as I do stuff around the house. Happy day to you!
Here I am mid-afternoon, finally settling in with a hot cup of tea and some blog time with friends. Have a wonderful time in the city, enjoying all the sights and sounds.
And yes, I’m enjoying the music of Christmas. Ah, the memories that return with so many of those songs.
Bless you.
My favorite is a Christmas carol/hymn O Come All Ye Faithful. I just love everything about it!
Thank you for the link to your favorite Christmas song. I enjoyed listening to it.
Have a wonderful weekend, my sweet friend. xx
Hello, my friend! My favorite is “Silver Bells”. My father had a department store in our little town when I was growing up. I used to work there, and every Christmas, he set up huge speakers outside and played music for all the shoppers walking by. The snow falling in the dark evenings and the music playing… especially “Silver Bells” are some of my very favorite memories ever. Thank you for the memory!
Good for you getting out of your comfort zone Jennifer. I find myself struggling to get out of my own lately. I have a lot of Christmas song and movies I enjoy and will have to put my thinking cap on. Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to reading all about it when you get a chance to write about it.
I really enjoy hearing ‘Silent Night,Holy Night’ but at the moment I have ‘ O come, O come Emmanuel’ running through my head.