Christmas

It's amazing how fast three weeks can go by, especially at this time of year. I recently changed jobs, and basically jumped right into the holiday sales rush. I had almost forgotten about my adventure here until I started thinking about Christmas music.

Carols are probably the oldest tunes that still circulate in popular music today. We've all heard them a million times, and likely have memories attached to certain songs - good or bad. I find it exciting when I find a new song written for Christmas, or a refreshing rendition of one of the classics. I Believe in Father Christmas or the Sufjan Stevens albums are good examples. David Bazan has also added his own twist on a few as well, and they're not for everyone - something we should celebrate. While Christmas is celebrated by many folk in North America, Europe, and other parts of the globe, the reason for celebration and the design of our festivities is unique. Shouldn't then the music change as well? If you consider that, then the holiday pop the gets pumped over the radio and through the air of malls, grocery stores, and other shopping centres is the exact anti-thesis of what the season is about. Have you thought about that?

Not that I want to make this holiday season any more complicated than it already is, but stop and think about what your favourite holiday song is. Does it match your beliefs and practices through December? Is that a problem for you? Maybe you should write your own carol. Maybe you should call your radio station and ask them to play more Jackson 5, ELP, Tea Party, or Tom Waits (not that Christmas Card from a Hooker will get regular air time, but you can always try).

Just a thought. And if you want a list of 'alternative' holidays songs to add to your playlist, drop me a line and I'll see what I can do.

Merry Christmas, and best wishes for the new year.