I know, I know… Its way too early to start dragging out the lights and glass ornaments that didn’t break last year, all in the name of “tradition.” However, does that mean that its too early to get excited about the holidays?
I conducted an interesting case study (unknowingly) a few days ago, in which I listened to Christmas music basically all day. As a result, I found myself singing/humming them as I went about my daily activities- work, school, etc… The different reactions I received from people were all across the board. Some people, who will now be collectively referred to as “The Grinch,” were not amused at all by my merry holiday strain. Some let out a half-jokingly “Ahh- it’s not even Thanksgiving, yet!” while others became visibly annoyed by their body language- rolling eyes, crossing arms, sighing. Only a few people, who I will call “Elf,” were noticeably brightened my festive tunes.
After much pondering, I have a question I’d like to string along with with the tinsel.
What is it about Christmas music that causes The Grinch to be, well… Grinch-like? Personally, I can’t help but have a better day after listening to some nostalgic songs… But, maybe that’s part of the answer. I listen- really listen to them- the smooth melodies, the relaxing instrument solos… but especially, the lyrics. Now, I realize that not everyone shares my Elf-like affinity for holiday cheer, but I have to believe that part of it is because people hear a song, and automatically associate it with the shopping madness that is inevitable around the holidays, rather than listen to what it’s trying to say. In a season where it is so easy to let impatience turn us into The Grinch, I’d like to share a bit of holiday cheer with all of you.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is the musical equivalent of how I feel around the holidays. Here are some of the lyrics, and my simple, Elf-like interpretation of them.
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be bright… Make the Yuletide gay. From now on your troubles will be miles away…” -Now, I’ve often wondered why it says “little Christmas,” and I’ve come to this conclusion: We put so much time/effort/money into making Christmas this big, commercialized extravaganza, that we’ve forgotten the point. It’s good to be reminded of the “little” kind of Christmas- the kind that trades impatience and frustration for silver bells and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. What the next part is trying to say, is that we shouldn’t just “make the best” of the holidays- We should allow ourselves to be happy and encouraged, and we should make happiness happen! So what if you have to work extra hours? So what if you have to park in Egypt at the mall because there are just too many holiday shoppers? Hey- I’m right there with you, but if you don’t make happiness happen around you, you probably won’t experience much of it. Does that mean that our troubles will simply disappear by singing Christmas carols? Of course not… But, you may never know how much a little kindness can help make someone else’s troubles a little easier to bear.
“Here we are, as in olden days- happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more…” -Friends, all this means is that we come together with our families and friends, largely because our ancestors, generation after generation, have done so. But it’s not just our tradition- its also our heritage- one we should be thankful for. Quite simply, it’s about love.
“Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow. Hang a shining star upon the highest bow…” -With any luck, we will have the opportunity to gather together year after year- because it is, in fact, a privilege. And the star- it’s not just a plastic representation of of a celestial body of hot gasses. It’s a symbol of hope and peace, lighting the way back to one another… lighting the way home.
“… And, have yourself a merry little Christmas, now.”
It’s never too early to start. Have a wonderful holiday season, friends.
I am right there with you, sister! I am sooo excited for the Holidays!
I am so glad you said that, Katie. Here in Grenada they have already started to play the sweet holiday tunes. I, myself, have been tempted to ‘turn-up the music’. When I take the bus home from school there is an interesting mix of things that play on the radio. But on occasion, not often, since Mid-October there have been Christmas songs playing. I remember one such bus ride that had the “White Christmas” playing (kind of funny since the Caribbean hasn’t seen snow probably since the ice-age, if it even got that cold here). And I’d say about 1/3 – 1/2 of the people on the bus laughed at first to here the Christmas carol in mid-October, but then they all started to sing along. It was representative of, at least part of, what Christmas is about; coming together. We didn’t know each other, we just started singing, laughing and ‘being gay (old term meaning, not what you think of today). So yes, Katie, I too love Christmas music, and I think that ppl who are “Grinch-like” haven’t had the wonderful experience of that “Merry Little Christmas”. Love ya, girl!! And Merry Christmas!!!
~ Jessica
Awesome! I totally agree! Christmas time should be one of the happiest times of year. But because people are so consumed by buying the right gift, spending too much or too little money, and making everything so “perfect” that the real meaning has been lost. Its about us celebrating the birth of Jesus and being thankful for all that he has given us! We are so blessed and it’s just taking a minute or a Christmas carol to remind us what’s important. Giving thanks for all our many blessings and enjoying a very special day with family and friends. It is a great privledge! I will be right next to you singing carols and helping all the Grinches find the perfect gift with a smile on my face and Chiristmas joy in my heart!