The Monday Music Medicine Show – Holiday Edition

Welcome to the Monday Music Medicine Show!

Week four of THE 42 hails in some special music, seasonal tunes we’ve grown up with, and which so often brings a wide range of emotions to listeners.

I have quite many favorite songs for this time of year, and the old traditional ones harken back to days filled with good cheer and sharing the fun filled activities of trimming trees, singing along with the music on the record player – yes, that’s right, the turntable kind. Food was especially good, and we were always at our very good friend’s home, folk who were just like family. Those memories are of the kind which I’d call, “Those were the days.”

It’s sad, because of those gathered together (their family and mine) only my ‘aunt’ and I are left. It’s been more years than not, since we made our annual trek out to Long Island for Christmas Eve celebration. But I can still envision the years of moments spent there.

I’m sure you know where this is going. The 42 (with the addition of a few other songs) presents my favorite holiday songs, and then some.

As the years go by, we often find new traditions evolving. As I found my inner path, my celebrations of the seasons changed. I follow the Wheel of the Year, as Nature is my Guide. While this is not the newest of songs of the season, it’s the one which represents best this time of year, this very day – The Solstice – for me.

Solstice Evergreen:

There has always been favorite music through the years. Back when I was a babe, and through my early winter seasons, these are the melodies which remind me of the wonder of the season.

Chestnuts Roasting on and open fire

Let It Snow

 

As the years passed, there were songs which came to hold a greater meaning for me at this time of year. My favorite of favorte holiday songs and the one I can’t live without listening to as many times as there are days in the season:

4. So This Is Christmas – John and Yoko

Some years later, I added this to my absolutly must hear list:

5.Do They Know Its Christmas Time At All – Band Aid

Within the last several years (while I know I heard years ago) this happy song is not only a favorite for now, but truly does belong to THE 42:

6. Christmas Vacation – from the movie of the same name

In the middle years, from one of my favorite groups, it wouldn’t be a holiday without this song. I have to add here, I can be a bit of a traditionalist at times. If I hear something by someone first, I often find remakes, or newer verions less appealing. This is the one I heard first, and I felt certain I’d stand by my band.

Please Come Home For Christmas – the Eagles

But suddenly one come along and I can’t think which version I like more.  I’m including this one as well.

Please Come Home For Christmas redux

Likewise,  on occasion, I’ll come across something that just tickles my fancy and actually makes the song more enjoyable and likeable for me. I’ll end with this song:

Deck the Halls by John Tesh

So my beautiful Monday Music Medicine Show friends, if it pleases you to play, share with us: songs from a memory, and then from today, and finally from a collection you don’t always play. You know I want to hear it! Share it there (your own blog with a ping back), or share it here.

BYOM and  remember: It Don’t Mean A Thing If You Don’t Send That PING!

Music is the Medicine in my Soul and I hope yours is as healing and nurturing as mine!

May your holiday be joyous and create memories you will treasure!