The Spirit Of Christmas

  Every year as Christmas approaches I wonder when or sometimes if I will get a feeling of the Christmas Spirit.  I almost always do, though the time and degree may vary. Usually it is music and movies that trigger it.  This year, the feeling of Christmas gradually crept into me today.  It started out with a few almost imperceptible snowflakes drifting down.  Then, as I ran errands, the excitement of the children in the stores caused a smile on my face.  I listened to the radio in the car (as I always do) but only listened to Christmas music, today.  Every year there is one particular carol or song that always stands out for me.  This year two songs got my attention.  
  The first one was a melody of Peace On Earth and Little Drummer Boy by an unlikely combination of Bing Crosby and David Bowie.  It was recorded in September of 1977 as part of the Bing Crosby '42nd Christmas Special that was broadcast on November 30, 1977.  Unfortunately, Bing never saw it as he passed away in Spain on October 14, 1977 at the age of 74.  Click here and listen and watch!
  The second song was also Bing Crosby, singing Silver Bells with Carol Richards in 1952.  What I like about this classic is the clarity, harmony, and richness of the music.  In the lyrics that are posted with the song, you will see "Here the snow crunch, see the kids rush", but if you listen carefully, Carol says "Here the snow crush, see the kids rush".  In later versions of the song, I believe the words "Here the snow crunch, see the kids bunch" are used.  Enough with the technicalities!  Have a listen here.
  So all of this has me feeling a bit more 'Christmasy' today and what made it even better, was the company of my sister as we did some Christmas shopping and visited our uncle who is now in a nursing home.  Many of his memories are fading, but there are some memories that are indelibly marked into his mind.  When he relates these moments from his past, his eyes brighten and a smile goes across his face.  This is when I see the uncle I am familiar with.
  So, dear readers, I hope you have Christmas glowing inside of you and that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and an exciting and Happy New Year!

Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white'. - Bing Crosby