Christmas Must Be Tonight

Listen while you read:  The Band!

Come down to the manger, see the little stranger
Wrapped in swaddling, lo, the Prince of Peace
Wheels start turning, torches start burning
And the old Wise Men journey from the East

How a little baby boy bring a people so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
This must be Christmas, must be tonight

A shepherd on a hillside where over my flock, I bide
On a cold winter night, a band of angels sing
In a dream I heard a voice saying, "Fear not, come rejoice!
It's the end of the beginning, praise the newborn King"

How a little baby boy bring a people so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
This must be Christmas, must be tonight

I saw it with my own eyes, written up in the skies
But why a simple herdsman such as I?
And then it came to pass, he was born at last
Right below the star that shines on high

How a little baby boy bring a people so much joy
Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
This must be Christmas, must be tonight

Son of a carpenter, Mary carried the light
This must be Christmas, must be tonight
Be tonight, be tonight, be tonight

~  Robbie Robertson (The Band)

I know, I know. It's Christmas Eve, the night before the birth of Jesus, right? Well, maybe not. It is more likely that Jesus was born in the spring. Apparently, when Church officials decided at the end of the third century to make December 25 the designated birthday, it was to have it coincide with existing Pagan festivals, thereby making it more likely that they would accept Rome's position that Christianity was the official religion and Christmas the official Christian holiday. If you're already celebrating Saturn with trees and gifts and booze, why not throw in a little story about a miraculous birth in a far-off country, a magic star, and some shepherds and wise men to add to the excitement? I don't mean to be disrespectful; I think it's a great story, as are those of other mythologies. But I don't think it's just about the story. If your faith is in Jesus Christ, the story of his birth could be anything, right? But really, I was just trying to justify posting this song on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day.

Rick Danko has one of the most beautiful and compelling voices I've ever heard, and he delivers this song with such beauty, I would have to say it is my favorite Christmas song. Levon Helm backs Danko up on the chorus so perfectly. The song was written for 1975's Northern Lights, Southern Cross, but for some reason, was not included. Instead, it appears on 1977's Islands, where it did not get the attention it deserved. Told from the point of view of a lowly shepherd, the traditional story takes on a humble and pedestrian honesty.

If your Christmas Eve is crazy with last minute stuff, I hope this song is able to slow you down a bit. Pour a glass, put your feet up, admire the holiday landscape inside your home, and recognize that this is the end of the beginning.

This must be Christmas. Must be tonight.

Peace on Earth.

December

Listen while you read:  George Winston

(There are no lyrics.)

Like many mothers of young children, I used to spend much of November and December in preparation for Christmas. I wanted to make it magical for them. Despite having a full-time job, I managed to shop, wrap, decorate, bake, send homemade cards, and plan menus. And then I shopped some more, which meant wrapping some more, and then that one string of lights would go out, and I'd forgotten to buy the chocolate chips, and the dog ate the low-hanging candy canes, and where the hell did I put those damn Christmas CDs? You get the picture.

And then one year, on December 23, I said, "Screw this! We're going out to dinner!" Now, going to a restaurant was not something we did very often, unless you count the $10 for a pie and a pitcher at a local pizza joint on a Wednesday night. But I was in serious need of somebody waiting on me. So we did that . . . and then it became a tradition.

But it wasn't about the fancy restaurant meal. It was about slowing down, taking a break, remembering to breathe. A full belly and a little buzz helped me face the next day and all its last-minute work, culminating in a Christmas Eve family gathering. And then the reward was staying in pajamas all of Christmas Day, eating leftovers and relishing the truth that there was nothing more that I needed to do.

I left those traditions behind years ago, but I still sense a need to slow down, to breathe, on this day. And so I'm offering a piano solo, "December," by Windham Hill artist, George Winston. This beauty dates back to 1982, when "New Age" was still a new thing. If you like it, you can find the full album (also titled December) on youtube. Click the "play" arrow, pour a glass, put your feet up, and breathe.

Feel better? I thought so.

River

Listen while you read:  featuring Snoopy!

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on

But it don't snow here
It stays pretty green
I'm going to make a lot of money
Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
I wish I had a river I could skate away on
I made my baby cry

He tried hard to help me
You know, he put me at ease
And he loved me so naughty
Made me weak in the knees
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on

I'm so hard to handle
I'm selfish and I'm sad
Now I've gone and lost the best baby
That I ever had
I wish I had a river I could skate away on
. . . 

~  Joni Mitchell

Did it really take me this long to post a Joni Mitchell song? I have no explanation for that, as I consider her one of the best lyricists ever. I have said many times that in my next life, I want to look and sing like Joni Mitchell. Well, maybe this post was worth waiting for? It is one of my favorite Joni songs and can be found on 1971's Blue. Treat yourself to the animated video, which features Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang ice skating, but be sure to watch until the end! Snoopy won't let you down!

I am no athlete, but I can ice skate. Meaning I can glide forward on skates without falling down. Skating backwards is a skill I never quite mastered. Don't laugh, but I still have my figure skates from 1962, complete with black pom-poms and jingle bells! I bought new L.L. Bean skates several years ago, but they just weren't the same, so I went back to my 55-year-old skates. And I also still wear my ancient wool socks with the poinsettia flowers embroidered on the cuffs.

But who am I kidding? I have not skated in three years, not since I became a snowbird. It don't snow here / It stays pretty green. There isn't much I miss about being in the Northeast in the winter. Maybe two things: watching birds at the feeder . . . and ice skating. And please don't suggest that I find an indoor skating rink down here. Skating around and around in circles with a gazillion other people is not my idea of ice skating. I need a pond or a lake . . . or a river I can skate away on.

And the metaphor is not lost on me. Like many of you, I have had the desire of late to skate away. Lacking a frozen body of water, we search for other ways to escape our pain or sorrow or fear, some ways healthier than others. I hope your future holds the company of your loved ones, the comfort of home, heartfelt laughter, and perhaps a good book in which to escape. And if you happen to reside in the North, skate a round for me.

The Christians and the Pagans

Listen while you read:  Winter Solstice!

Amber called her uncle, said, "We're up here for the holiday
Jane and I were having Solstice, now we need a place to stay"
And her Christ-loving uncle watched his wife hang Mary on a tree
He watched his son hang candy canes all made with red dye number three
He told his niece, "It's Christmas Eve. I know our life is not your style"
She said, "Christmas is like Solstice, and we miss you, and it's been a while"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able
And just before the meal was served, hands were held and prayers were said
Sending hope for peace on earth to all their gods and goddesses

The food was great, the tree plugged in, the meal had gone without a hitch
Till Timmy turned to Amber and said, "Is it true that you're a witch?"
His mom jumped up and said, "The pies are burning!" and she hit the kitchen
And it was Jane who spoke. She said, "It's true your cousin's not a Christian
But we love trees, we love the snow, the friends we have, the world we share
And you find magic from your God, and we find magic everywhere"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able
And where does magic come from? I think magic's in the learning
'Cause now when Christians sit with Pagans, only pumpkin pies are burning

When Amber tried to do the dishes, her aunt said, "Really, no, don't bother"
Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like Tim and like her father
He thought about his brother, how they hadn't spoken in a year
He thought he'd call him up and say, "It's Christmas, and your daughter's here"
He thought of fathers, sons, and brothers, saw his own son tug his sleeve
Saying, "Can I be a Pagan?" Dad said, "We'll discuss it when they leave"

So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table
Finding faith and common ground the best that they were able
Lighting trees in darkness, learning new ways from the old
And making sense of history and drawing warmth out of the cold

~  Dar Williams

Today marks the shortest day of the year. Or if you prefer, the longest night. Or you can call it the first day of winter. I prefer Winter Solstice. Often thought of as a "pagan holiday," which tends to make it seem improper to other religions, I like to think of it as a "holiday" that we can ALL celebrate, regardless of our religion or ethnicity or traditions. To be fair, recognition of the holiday depends on which hemisphere you inhabit. If you are in the Northern hemisphere, today is Winter Solstice! But if you are in the Southern hemisphere, you will have to wait until June. Sorry. (I did get to celebrate Summer Solstice four years ago when I was traveling in Australia in December. Strange, but cool!)

Paganism is a term used to label those who practice polytheism (worship of multiple deities, such as gods and goddesses). Dating back to the early 4th century, the term was used by Christians in a derogatory fashion to dismiss those who had not accepted Christ as their savior. And it seems that the stigma survived. Pagans are often put in a basket with witches and warlocks and heathens, groups that probably would not be able to gain admission to Sam's Club or the local YMCA or PTA. (But I could be wrong on that, so don't quote me.)

In Dar Williams' cleverly told story, it is possible to discover that we have more in common than we think, despite our religious (or non) affiliations. We all want peace on earth, don't we? A popular choice when Dar performs, the song can be found on 1996's Mortal City. Although her focus in the song is Christians and Pagans, I can imagine the song being about 'The Republicans and the Democrats" or "The Conservatives and the Liberals" or "The Rappers and the Rockers." I repeat, we all want peace on earth, right?

Winter Solstice is special to me. For many years, my husband and I celebrated both Winter and Summer Solstice with our dear friends, Jim and Lois. We'd met up for drinks after work one afternoon many years ago, and it happened to have been on Winter Solstice. We made a vow then to get together every solstice. "The long and the short of it," Jim quipped. Pete and I were in charge of Summer Solstice, which involved finding a place to go and footing the bill. Jim and Lois were in charge of Winter Solstice. Every year, we upped the ante a bit. One memorable Winter Solstice was the one in which we were picked up in a limousine, driven to a famous seafood restaurant in New York City, and then seated in the fifth row for a performance by the Paul Winter Consort at St. John's Cathedral. Memorable!

I carried my reverence for Winter Solstice into my teaching, celebrating the afternoon with my Creative Writing students. We enjoyed poetry, musical performances, and food and beverages in the school's library. It was my favorite day of the school year!

However you celebrate the shortest day, imbue it with peace and love and tolerance. And those attributes can apply even without a celebration. Namaste!

Your Wildest Dreams

Listen while you read:  The Moody Blues

Once upon a time
Once when you were mine
I remember skies
Reflected in your eyes
I wonder where you are
I wonder if you think about me
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams

Once the world was new
Our bodies felt the morning dew
That greets the brand new day
We couldn't tear ourselves away
I wonder if you care
I wonder if you still remember
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams

And when the music plays
And when the words are touched with sorrow
When the music plays
I hear the sound I had to follow
Once upon a time

Once beneath the stars
The universe was ours
Love was all we knew
And all I knew was you
I wonder if you know
I wonder if you think about it
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams

And when the music plays
And when the words are touched with sorrow
When the music plays
I hear the sound I had to follow
Once upon a time

Once upon a time
Once when you were mine
I remember skies
Mirrored in your eyes
I wonder where you are
I wonder if you think about it
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams

~  Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues)

Hey, Pete. I heard this song the other day in the car, and I have to admit that I had a bit of trouble focusing on driving. But don't worry, I pulled myself together; I'm pretty good at doing that. Sure, it's a bit harder at this time of year, even after all this time. Was it really fifteen years ago tonight? Oh, I remember it so well, how you waited until we were all there in the room. We laughed about something, and that was the moment that you chose to leave. It was Katrina who noticed the change in your breathing. We gathered around you, said what we had to say, and then you were gone. I wonder if you still remember?

So this song, an old Moody Blues' number from 1986, is on an album called The Other Side of Life. How fitting, since I guess that's where you are. I have to say that I am comforted when you come back over to this side to visit me in dreams. In those early years, it seemed that you were always sick and weak when you appeared in those dreams. But now, you appear healthy and strong, looking just as I choose to remember you, once upon a time. I am always surprised to realize that you would be 60 now! (The dream-you is 40-ish. You're still so damn handsome, babe!)

Pete, your kids are amazing! Of course, my heart breaks whenever I let myself go to the "what if?" place. But I know you are with them. I see it in their environmentalism, their compassion, their work ethic, and their smarts. I see it in Katrina when she tries to philosophize about the imperfections of the Universe. I see it in Jenna when she explores the wonders of the natural world and finds her peace there. And I see it in Sam when he hikes a mountain or solves an ecological problem or puts his complete faith in the Mets every spring. You are in their smiles, their tears, their hopes, and yes, their wildest dreams.

And I'm doing okay. It took a long time, but I've found someone who loves me. I think you'd like him! He's smart, kind, liberal, and affectionate. We share a love of music, politics, road trips, and happy hours. Yeah, you'd like him!

Once upon a time
Once when you were mine
I remember skies
Mirrored in your eyes
I wonder where you are
I wonder if you think about it
Once upon a time
In your wildest dreams

I remember, Pete.

It's a Hit

Listen while you read:  Rilo Kiley

Any chimp can play human for a day
Use his opposable thumbs to iron his uniform
And run for office on election day
Fancy himself a real decision maker
And deploy more troops than salt shakers

But it's a jungle out there when war is made
And you'll panic and throw your own shit at the enemy
The camera pulls back to reveal your true identity
Look, it's a sheep in wolf's clothing
A smoking-gun-holding ape

Any asshole can open up a museum
Put all of the things he loves on display
So everyone could see them
The house, a car, a thoughtful wife
Ordinary moments in his ordinary life

But if she breaks a smile, she'll give you away
Because no one wants to pay to see her happiness
No one wants to pay to see her day-to-day
And I'm not buying it, either
But I'll try selling it anyway

Any idiot can play Greek for a day
And join a sorority or write a tragedy
And articulating all that pain
And maybe you'll get paid

But it's a sin when success complains
And your writer's block, it don't mean shit
Just throw it against the wall and see what sticks
Got to write a hit, I think this is it
It's a hit

And if it's not
Then it's a holiday for a hanging
Yeah, it's a holiday for a hanging
Yeah, it's a holiday for a hanging
Yeah, it's a holiday for a hanging
Yeah, shoo bop, shoo bop, my baby

Any fool can play executioner for a day
And say with fingers pointed in both directions
"He went thataway"
It's only a switch or syringe
Exempt from eternal sins
But you can still wear a cross
And you think you're going to get in

Ah, but the pardons never come from upstairs
They're always a moment too late
But it's entertainment
Keep the crowd on their toes
It's justice, we're safe
It's not a hit, it's a holiday
Shoo bop, shoo bop, my baby

It's a holiday for a hanging, yeah . . . 

~  Jenny Lewis (for Rilo Kiley)

Well, I just love Rilo Kiley (even though they don't exist anymore), but mostly, I love Jenny Lewis' lyrics and vocals. "It's a Hit" is from Rilo Kiley's 2004 release, More Adventurous. The linked video is pretty trippy, so much so that I cannot wrap my head around why they would bleep out the words "asshole" and "shit." Seriously. Why?

Clearly, the beginning of the song is a direct reference to the Presidency of George W. Bush. Which, of course, seems rather tame in comparison to today's administration. But the basic premise of the song, that it doesn't require any great intelligence or honor or compassion to hold high office, is pretty obvious. Any asshole can do it. And we have certainly seen our share of assholes holding office, haven't we?

But you can still wear a cross and think you're going to get in. I'm sorry, but this line really gets to me. I do not doubt for one minute that there are good and honorable people sporting crucifixes on gold chains around their necks. But I want to believe that it takes much more than that to enter the kingdom of heaven (whatever and wherever that is). I have always believed that it's not what church or temple you frequent, or what symbols you decorate your body or your car with, or what prayers you recite or sing, but rather, the way you behave, the way you treat others, the way you uplift those around you to a higher existence.

Last week, I was behind a minivan sporting a sticker that read "God Bless My Car." Seriously? God is blessing cars now? I would imagine that the underlying prayer is that the sticker will prevent that car from ever being in an accident? I am old enough to remember the trend of placing a St. Christopher medal on the visor of a car.  I'm not buying it, either / But I'll try selling it anyway. I'm pretty sure those medals went through several accidents. Some of us know that this life is a crapshoot. Some of us have yet to find this out.

Shoo bop, shoo bop, my baby . . . 

The Crystal Ship

Listen while you read:  The Doors

Before you slip into unconsciousness
I'd like to have another kiss
Another flashing chance at bliss
Another kiss, another kiss

The days are bright and filled with pain
Enclose me in your gentle rain
The time you ran was too insane
We'll meet again, we'll meet again

Oh, tell me where your freedom lies
The streets are fields that never die
Deliver me from reasons why
You'd rather cry, I'd rather fly

The crystal ship is being filled
A thousand girls, a thousand thrills
A million ways to spend your time
When we get back, I'll drop a line

~  Jim Morrison (The Doors)

You know how some songs can just put you in a certain place in your memory, even if it's not a particularly significant place? When The Doors' "Light My Fire" hit #1 on the charts in the summer of 1967, the excitement over this new band was extreme. In my memory, I am in a sporty car with my high school boyfriend, aimlessly traveling the back roads of our rural community, groovin' to the tune. And then I bought the single and discovered the B-side. "The Crystal Ship" is on The Doors' eponymous first album.

I spent yesterday afternoon sitting on the bleachers overlooking the St. Lucie River on the Treasure Coast, groovin' to a Doors cover band. While I am not a big fan of cover bands, I have to admit that this one was damn good. Not only were the band members exceptionally skilled, but the lead singer's voice was as close to Jim Morrison's as you can get. And, although he did not possess Morrison's good looks, he had a lot of fun acting crazy during his performance. Sporting a too-long pair of brown pleather pants, he was able to perspire profusely, shaking off sprays of sweat from his longish hair. The rest of us stayed relatively cool on the breezy waterfront. People sang along, danced in front of the stage, and generally had a good time. And it was free, thanks to the Stuart Rock'n Riverwalk, which hosts afternoon concerts every Sunday.

In revisiting the lyrics for this song, I couldn't help but laugh at how we would have to listen over and over again to "get" the words correct back in the day. (For you young'uns, there was no Google, no Internet, no Siri to help us out.) Where Morrison sings a thousand girls, I heard "a thousand hells" (which I like better). And that last line? I'll drop a line? I never got that! And I was better off living with the mystery of the line! What a disappointing end to a great song! And what did it mean? Although most people understand that "The Crystal Ship" is about Morrison's break-up with his girlfriend of three years, there are those who insist that it is loaded with drug references. Does drop a line mean, "I'll be in touch" . . . or does it mean that he will "drop a line" of acid?

Only Jim Morrison knows. And he's not talking.