Get In The Mood

I’m not sure why, but lots of people are crying “Bah humbug!” Maybe it’s the economy, maybe they’re stressed, or maybe they’re depressed. Whatever the reason, I don’t get it. I put out my tree, lights, knick knacks, and wreath and started playing the Christmas jams! That is what really puts me in the mood for the season. Yeah, I know they started playing carols right after Halloween, and it was not so much annoying as confusing. But don’t let that retail marketing ploy wreck the joy of the season.

I remember a while back when I worked retail management. The same songs over and over used to drive me nuts! But I sucked it up and made the most of it. I began to be ok with the jazzy, goofy, classic, and every other version of Christmas carols. At one store everyone knew that one of my favorites was, believe it or not Marshmallow World by Johnny Mathis! Singing and dancing along made the hectic time a lot easier. And once I had the type of job where I didn’t have to work long hours before Christmas, I really began to love and appreciate the soundtrack for the season.

There are so many songs and versions to choose from, that even the scroogiest Scrooge should be able to find a song to bring a smile, sigh, cheer, or dance. There’s Ella, Nat, Donny, Bing, Johnny, Aretha, Barbra, Vanessa, Mariah, Brian, Natalie, Yolanda, Faith, Tony, Alvin, and the list goes on. What about Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas? Who can resist the infectious Linus and Lucy? That’s the song where everyone is dancing in the cartoon. How about this one, sing it with me now, “Hark! The herald angel sing, glory to the new-born king!”? Now everyone knows this one, “Hang all the mistletoe, I’m gonna get to know you better. This Christmas!” I LOVE them all, traditional songs about Christ as well as songs about family, fun, love, and winter!

For me these are great songs in and out of season. Sometimes if I’m feeling down, I’ll listen to Christmas songs to brighten my day. It doesn’t matter if it is March, June or December!

Here are videos of four of my favorite songs by four great artists. Take a listen and go ahead and give in. Get in the mood!

What Child Is This? – Vanessa Williams


My Christmas Prayer – BeBe Winans


O Holy Night – Mariah Carey


Winter Wonderland – Janelle Monae


Kitten Heels


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