Play Your Own Kind of Music, and I Will, Too
Nick Reiher
Today, I would like to morph two of the favorite asks on Facebook: What Christmas songs annoy you, and which ones cause you to turn up the volume and sign along?
Now, since Christmas-themed tunes have been playing in some form or another – especially commercials – for weeks, it could be that ones that would initially cause you to turn up the volume, would become more like three-day-old fish.
But, we are now in to my official beginning of the Christmas season, having for the most part blocked out or muted commercials with holiday themes until after Thanksgiving.
As an aside, I do want to know about giving new vehicles as Christmas gifts. I know, I ask every year: Does the recipient get the vehicle free and clear, or should they expect to see a monthly bill sometime in late January?
Let’s get the misery out of the way first. And, yes, I know, some of you are going to like these songs and cherish them every year. I will continue to pray for you and that you keep them to yourselves.
Anything sung by Alvin and the Chipmunks. I believe there is only one at holiday time, but I couldn’t swear to it since I hit the mute button or change stations for a time.
The Barking Jingle Bells. Why? I dunno. Would you like to hear me burp it? Maybe I could do some underarm flatulence along with it.
“Wonderful Christmastime”. I’ve been a Beatles fan for a long while, and I admire Paul McCartney’s continued reinvention of himself since the boys broke up in 1970. But when you create the amount of music he has, now and then you’re gonna get a box of ear worms instead.
To me, this is nothing more than a holiday version of “Someone’s Knocking at the Door.”
And the best – or worst – for last: “Christmas Shoes”. It is a very sweet tale of a young lad trying to do his best for his dying Momma, and a stranger takes pity and helps.
This song makes Nietzsche sound like Robin Williams; Mahler like KC and the Sunshine Band. If you have any blue mood in you at all, this will change it to black. I can’t even imagine how high you would have to be to use this to bring you down to a normal emotional level.
You’ve been warned.
Now, then, let’s cheer up. These are some of the holiday tunes I hope to hear at least once, and crank them up when I do:
“Rusty Chevrolet.” Perhaps its because I have been far enough north to understand all the references, but just about everyone can understand driving a car that’s falling apart, and getting Christmas chores done all the while.
“I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas.” Like the above, having it sung in a Norwegian accent doesn’t hurt as I think of all my in-laws up Nort. The thing that floored me about this one is that it was done in the ‘40s.
“Snoopy’s Christmas vs. the Red Baron.” And when they get to the part about “Christmas Bells,” well … >choke<
And, the more traditional …
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” I just feel like I’m sitting at a banqueting table in King Arthur’s Court.
“Adeste Fidelis”, the Latin version of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” It reminds me a lot of my Gramma Fiorini humming it around the house during the holidays. So much so, I learned the words.
“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” I always enjoyed this song; more so since it closes “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
So, there you have it. My good and naughty list for holiday tunes. Regardless of your choices, I hope you enjoy the Christmas season in good health and with family and good friends.