The Songs Of Christmas

The other day a friend asked me if I was sick of hearing Christmas music on the radio. It didn't take me long to answer. On the contrary, I keep the radio tuned to the station that plays only the merry melodies that fill the air at this time of year.

Who can get tired of the songs of the season when they keep you in a perpetual spirit of wonder and glee?

We've been listening to the same songs for decades and the feelings they bring never lose their emotion, in fact those old songs multiply their meaning as life goes on.

Babies first Christmas was made oh so special the year my nephew Ryan was born. Being the first grandchild in the family we fawned over the tiniest new addition.

That year the song I loved the most was Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. I didn't know all the stanzas but I crooned what I knew and hummed the rest as Ryan and I rocked away many a cold winter's night.

I am now a grandma of three and sing the words I've learned by heart to this younger generation, but the memory of Ryan as the babe in my arms still comes to mind even though it has been three decades and counting.

Jingle Bell Rock I remember hearing often on that very first Christmas that Bill and I shared together. Our love was as fresh and delicate as new fallen snow back then. The years have accumulated into a blizzard of family life follies. When I hear the sounds of Jingle Bell Rock I'm reminded of what a rocking good life we have shared all these many years.

The day after we've stuffed ourselves with Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings, the totes containing all our holiday hoopla are stacked in the family room. At first sight it looks like a daunting task, especially since each year my collection of decorations grows. With the help of Christmas classics streaming from the radio my home is transformed in all its seasonal splendor in no time at all.

It's a fa-la-la-la good time when music mingles with the melody of feelings that only surface at this special time of year.

I never get tired of hearing the sentimental lyrics of songs that can, in an instant, transport me back to yesteryear which causes me to belt out notes of nostalgia as grand kids wonder why grandma is acting goofy.

No, I'm not hitting the spiked egg nog -- I'm just indulging in the joy of this most wonderful time of the year.

The music, like the memories they invoke, never gets old to me. They are the link to Christmases past and present.

A chorus of carols will continue to be savored and enjoyed, for time goes by in the blink of an eye as we hum the memories of Christmases gone by.

~ Kathy Whirity ~

Kathy is a syndicated newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. Kathy is also a contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series and she and her husband, Bill, reside in Chicaqo where they are happily enjoying life as grandparents. You can visit Kathy's web site at: http://www.kathywhirity.com

[ By: Kathy Whirity Copyright © 2010 ( kathywhirity at yahoo.com ) -- {used with permission} ]