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I cannot carry a tune and I cannot play an instrument. That, however does not stop me from bursting out in song when I feel the need (much to the annoyance of my family and most often in the car or while cooking). It seems to me that there is no time where it is more appropriate to sing with gusto than at Christmas time. Perhaps it is also suitable around a lit birthday cake, but we actually do that as a family on Christmas Eve and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus quite loudly.
It is a battle in my house between the two “teams” of Christmas carols. On my husband’s side, girded with years of tradition and well-backed by his own musical talent both vocal and instrumental, is the traditional Christmas hymn. Among his favourites are O Come All Ye Faithful and Good Christian Men Rejoice. The neighbours know that the holiday season approaches by the sound of Handel’s Messiah wafting through our tightly shut windows. He may like his music sounding more aged, but he always likes it loud.
On my side are the new carols, which he insists with a sniff are not to be called hymns. I love hearing contemporary artists sing a rendition of Jingle Bells (my favourite is Diana Krall) or Sleigh Ride (no one does that as well as than Harry Connick Jr.). The Bing Crosby Christmas CD is well played when I am home alone. Anything that gets me moving while I belt it out is just fine with me, and somehow dance steps do not seem to work with the First Noel. So when the CDs come out during the decorating of the tree, it is a fight to see who will get theirs in first. The kids just shrug, they don’t really care as long as the hot chocolate keeps coming and they can hear each other’s guesses as to what will be under the tree this year.
Most of the time we can reach a happy medium. I do enjoy singing Joy to the World and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. If I can’t exactly dance to them, I can at least bop around the tree to a good beat. My husband is happy enough with all carols that do mention the true nature of our Christmas celebration, and that is a silent rule for the most part. I’m more than happy with that. I really would like my children’s memories of Christmas at home to be filled with mention of our Saviour Jesus. We all understand that it is in His honour that we exchange “birthday” gifts. Anything I can do as a mother to reinforce that in my kid’s lives is important to both my husband and I.
But he draws the line at buying me the Boney M Christmas CD, even though I keep telling him they do a fantastic version of Mary’s Boy Child. Maybe if I had someone who could actually sing give him a demo, it would change his mind. I won’t be holding my breath this year.
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