If You Just Believe...

Getting closer to Christmas now with #7:

Believe 

Why it makes the list: Perhaps I am partial to this song this year because our students sang it for the Christmas concert, but I feel it truly captures the spirit of Christmas. No matter what is happening the rest of the year, Christmas appears to be this "wake-up call" for each of us to remember what it's like to believe in the goodness and joy all around us.

On a short side note, we gave the students their very own bells in Christmas goodie bags yesterday - it was in honor of their song and the fact that we had watched "The Polar Express" in class - and they were so grateful and cute about them. They shook their bells and said, "We believe!" They were priceless.

So, here's a question to think about - Does the bell still ring for you?

Let nothing you dismay

And on to #8:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Why it makes the list: In the midst of all the busy-ness and rush of the holiday season, this song reminds us to all slow down. God can handle it - we just have to remember to offer all of our worries and problems up to Him. This song brings greetings and wishes of "comfort and joy" - isn't that what we all want (and need) this holiday season?

So, remember, if you are getting caught up in the rush, take a rest...and look to God.

Come a-waltzing with #9

And 1-2-3, 1-2-3... Here's my #9:

The Christmas Waltz 

Why it makes the list: How can you not love Frank Sinatra in this song? It's short and sweet...and it paints a vivid image of a living room festively prepared for the holidays. Such a pretty picture! And an added bonus? --> Being a waltz, this song is in 3/4 time, and I love how the song actually makes use of that in its lyrics. Clever!

Will you have this dance?

Counting Down...

By no means do I claim to have the ultimate Top 10 Christmas songs list - for one, I'm likely to have forgotten one or two - but, for what it's worth (and to bring a little Christmas cheer your way), here's my list, starting today with my #10:

Winter Wonderland

Why it makes the list: It's one of those put-me-in-the-Christmas-y-mood songs that make me want to curl up by a warm, cozy fireplace with some hot chocolate and look out at the snow, while, at the same time, being one of those songs that makes me want to go catch snowflakes on my tongue.

Would this song make your Top 10 Christmas List?

That's All

3 more days.

That says it all.

...No, really, what more is there to say?


(Join me tomorrow to weigh in on the Top 10 Songs of Christmas Countdown, starting with #10...)

An Alternative Christmas List

With holiday sales and online shopping hitting their all-time highs these weeks, it's time to stop and think.

Maybe this year it's time to consider an alternative Christmas list...

“Christmas Gift Suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect."

- Oren Arnold

As we prepare for the Christmas holidays, let's remember to not get so wrapped up in the stress and gifts that we forget the aforementioned "items" that should be on all of our lists.

Joy Instead

In the Catholic tradition, we celebrate Gaudete (or "rejoice") Sunday today. For me, quite honestly, the timing ain't so great. Admittedly, I'm not in the rejoicing mood.

But then I came across an article on one of the blogs I follow regularly: http://liturgycatechesisshallkiss.blogspot.com/2011/12/rejoicing-in-world-that-has-forgotten.html - There's a difference between joy and happiness. And during times of mourning, it is possible to maintain that deeper sense of joy rooted in our Lord: We believe that all will be well.

I love how these kinds of articles come across my Google Reader just as I need them. Amen!

I pray that today you are filled with joy, even during times of difficulty.