I am not the only one who thinks retail establishments who begin playing Christmas carols the day (before, of, after) Thanksgiving are reasonable targets for arson. The aggregate effect of all this holiday singing, however, produced a really unexpected result in my family.
Shopping, ugh.
I hate shopping in crowds.
As one who prides herself as being a professional shopper, this season I absolutely have been without motivation to shop for anything. Maybe it was all the Amazon reviews I wrote for the 2011 award-winning toys. Maybe it was the circumstances which lead me away from my normal planning. Maybe it was the general lack of suitable retail options this year.
Whatever the virus, I have been stricken with a bad case of not wanting to shop…for anything. In what is likely to be a national catastrophe of epic proportions with global economic repercussions, I have not even bought one pair of shoes this month. For those close to me, this news will likely cause an intervention.
But, I digress…
Carols
Whilst doing the necessary shopping (crust of bread, glass of milk, butt wipe), my ears (and those of my progeny) were accosted with three versions of Jingle Bells before we could fully navigate the grocery. Little V was merrily massacring the lyrics as we left the bread counter. As we approached the cash register, I was stopped dead in my tracks.
Little Bear, holding my hand as we walked, tugged twice. I stopped to see if he was going to ambush a candy display we had passed in hopes of a sugar coma. Instead, he stood there, looking up at me with those wide, blue pools. When I made eye contact, he melodically intoned, “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle.”
PDA
Hugs and kisses and effusive praise in the check out line. Don’t approve? Don’t look. If you don’t understand, educate yourself.
While the remainder of the evening held little from Little Bear, there was plenty from Little V, who happens to like Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.
(Please join me in a moment of silent prayer she “likes” a different song in the near future.)
Taking the Show on the Road
Mind the volume…but never let it be silent.
In Momma’s truck you are prone to hearing music in the eclectic style reflected in her writing.
- Ramones
- The Eagles
- The Charlie Daniels Band
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Sade
- Jean-Michel Jarre
- Jim Croce
- Firehouse
- Bad Company
- 2 Unlimited
- Queen
- Gravity Kills
- Metallica
- Pink Floyd
- Golden Earring
- Are you getting the picture?
What you will not hear (except from the a cappella choir in the backseat) is Christmas carols. I admit having Christmas music, in the house, but not on my way to somewhere I have to listen to someone else’s favorite yuletide hits.
Dinner with a Song
In what could only be described as a masochistic moment, we ventured out into the retail world for a few finishing touches on the holiday shopping. Shoot me lest I do it again.
A song is worth a thousand words.
When we took a break for sustenance, Man Cub crawled in Bear’s lap.
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh, what fun it is to ride.”
He may not have a one-horse, open sleigh, but it has to be the best carol I have ever heard.
~~~~~~~~~~
What was your best Christmas carol moment? What is your favorite carol?
~~~~~~~~~~
awarewriter
/ December 22, 2011My best Christmas carol moment comes second hand via Tracy. Sue has a small bench out in front of her house. The other day the twins sat together on the bench singing (at full 3 year old volume) “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Jungle Bells.” Tracy said they knew all the words and stayed in tune (mostly). Wish I could have been there for that concert.
John
Red
/ December 22, 2011Oh, that is priceless! I am sure they were absolutely cotton candy sweet! I cannot wait to see the pix of them in their holiday garb…hint hint.
valentinelogar
/ December 22, 2011Like you I have added NO SHOES this month as I am intolerant of seasonal shoppers and their antics. I despise holiday sales, Christmas music that began shortly after All Hollows Eve, ever so happy sales people that want me to help them through brick and mortar walls, bad drivers, other peoples children not on leashes and a host of other things that seem to be epidemic during this season.
I did all my shopping on line. Told my family if their lists were not posted on Amazon they would get coal. Not cash, not gift cards COAL.
I would however, sing along with your children! Those carols deserve at least one rousing rendition per day.
Red
/ December 22, 2011As last year, Little V had a hard time mastering JB, she sang it (mangled lyrics and all) an half dozen times per ride anywhere. This year, she knew the words. Man Cub singing anything is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Who knows? He may well be on the way to the loquaciousness I want to throttle from his sisters in no time. But what a wonderful Christmas present for me. Red.
valentinelogar
/ December 22, 2011Personally? I think you should teach him the words to Paradise by the Dashboard Light, he and I can then sing a duet at the wedding! ;0
Red
/ December 22, 2011ROFL! I am certain Bear knows all the words to that one. I can see it now…the shower will become a rehearsal hall. *giggles*
Red
/ December 23, 2011Just so others can share the music! 🙂
raymond alexander kukkee
/ December 22, 2011It is more than wonderful that your two special little ones sing–not only any words, but the right words- instead of cry..that is so wonderful, even if it starts the day after Hallowe’en….
I think anyone ELSE that promotes Christmas before December 15th should be locked up, period. Christmas is no longer special, it is an extended retail profit-making binge–at the expense of everyone.
Red
/ December 22, 2011Having retired from retail, I can appreciate everyone’s loathing of the sordid affair. Ray, click the educate yourself link to understand why Man Cub singing anything is so FAB. Red.
Angela Young
/ December 22, 2011After Thanksgiving???? Try after Halloween! Aggghhhhhh! I love Christmas carols, but only in moderation. That was a wonderful present for you indeed!
All that said, I do like hearing the songs when I’m shopping (WalMart mostly). I sing along, relatively loudly. I have to confess that I sing a lot anyway in the store, everywhere else I go, but. . . . I don’t have a carol story to share, though. I’m glad you got your Christmas miracle 🙂
Red
/ December 22, 2011Thank you, Angie. I can handle them in relatively small doses. I like the alternative ones, rather than the Frank Sinatra White Christmas versions. 🙂
lorrelee1970
/ December 22, 2011I think that is wonderful. It makes me want to scream with joy for you.
My son has down syndrome. He is only 14 months and we have very little idea what the future holds, but it is a privilege to be his mom. I’m sure you feel the same way.
Red
/ December 22, 2011I know precisely what you mean. We have three ASD, two non-verbal sons and Little V. I have spent years telling people God knew what he was doing by not giving me the special ones until later. They are wonderful in so many ways. {HUGZ} Red.
lorrelee1970
/ December 23, 2011Yes. I have more patience and appreciation now that I’m older.
My friends say that God knew what he was doing when he gave me Justice and they couldn’t imagine any other parents raising him. Between you and me…..I think my friends are full of it. (Couldn’t be totally serious!)
valentinelogar
/ December 23, 2011lorrelee – my oldest sister is severely Downs. She is marvelous and has always lived a very full and fulfilling life. When she was born in 1950 the doctors told my step-mother to put her away as her life expectations were very low. My mom told them to go to Hades (she is very polite). Candy has always been a blessing
Red
/ December 23, 2011LOL! Some days, I know mine are ;P
prenin
/ December 23, 2011Nice to see somebody with a similar taste in music!!! 🙂
I too have Christmas CD’s: The 2CD set of Crimbo tunes and a copy of Jethro Tull’s Christmas Greats which get played occasionally between bouts of Movie themes from Horror to The Matrix series etc.
I also have a collection of Jarre, Oldfield, Kate Bush, but my secret easy listening are the Gregorian pop singers who do covers in a Gregorian style – definitely an acquired taste! LoL!!!
And, yes, I have Led Zep, Eagles, Pink Floyd, The Move and Traffic.
Showing my age here… 🙂
Love, hugs and Merry Christmas! 🙂
Prenin.
Red
/ December 23, 2011Age-schmage. I listen to what I like and fits my mood. I have Latino Christmas music I adore (even though I speak nada Espagnol). I have a wonderful CD of chanting monks which is great for those days when I have to deal with the government. Good music is timeless. Enjoy it all! {HUGZ} Red.
prenin
/ December 23, 2011Even stranger hun! 🙂
I have a boxed set of Gregorian monks chanting which I use to relax when I need to feel spiritual!!! 🙂
I even used the Gregorian chants when I made DVD’s of my God daughter’s family Christening their children!!!
Love and hugs!
Prenin.
lorrelee1970
/ December 23, 2011It is wonderful to hear about Candy. All babies are a blessing.
It’s sad that some doctors are still like that. We do not get the testing because the baby is coming home with us either way, but some doctors still encourage the termination of pregnancies for down syndrome and other disabilities. It’s crazy. I couldn’t imagine a world without him.
Red
/ December 23, 2011I feel that way about mine. Man Cub was a more than 90% chance of autism at least as severe, if not worse (it is worse) than his older brother, and I had him before we realized the depth of Little V’s. I would not, could not imagine NOT having them. Inconceivable. Still, I have to wonder what Angel V would be like.
bear
/ December 23, 2011Hearing little bear sing was amazing. You should have seen the look on Red’s face. WOW! And he continued all through supper. I was amazed. I think I said that. Well, I was. He has a sweet little voice.
And let’s get Christmas back to being fun. I know you cannot turn time back, but by slowing down and taking time to enjoy life and celebrating, we can all make our own worlds a little better for our families. And Red, just so you know the song will be When The Levee Breaks By LED ZEPPELIN
Red
/ December 23, 2011Good song. Ready to be back down south…but much much much further than Chicago 😉 Red.
Androgoth
/ December 23, 2011I have enjoyed reading this posting Red and I don’t just mean your words, indeed i have enjoyed all the comments that are left here also 🙂
Your little one is a very handsome little man and you two look great in that photograph, hey Bear too, and what a wonderful Christmas this is going to be, and very happy too 🙂
Be well red and enjoy every moment…
Androgoth XXx
Red
/ December 23, 2011We shall, Andro. It is set to be a lovely Christmas indeed. Stay warm, now, Andro! Red.
Laurie
/ December 23, 2011Heavens, I just did find a Christmas song that hasn’t gotten on my nerves ten billion times……”Toy Sack” B52’s. It’s set to “Love Shack” it’s too funny…..oh, and “Christmas in Dixie” – Alabama. (surprise, surprise) ok so not carols exactly but give me a break all the cheeriness is annoying.
Red
/ December 23, 2011ROFL! I think the new age of carols is so much better than the whine and moan of the old ones we grew up with…and our parents grew up with…and our grandparents…I think Bear is right. We need to get back to Christmas being fun.
Laurie
/ December 23, 2011Yeah, I’ve never “dreamed of a white Christmas” not fond of snow, it defeats the point of living South, and some times it’s more fun and you learn more not to be “home for Christmas”. Now if they’d invent a way to stay up all night doing shots on Christmas Eve and still be coherent and able to take care of the kid’s Christmas morning, I’d be in the holiday spirit all year just waiting to do shots……..
Red
/ December 23, 2011I think I may need to refer you to LiquorStoreBear.wordpress.com I think he knows that carol!