Brrrrrrrrrrreak

You can call it a break,
or some time to just be.
More sleep's on the docket
with some reading and TV.

There's been plenty of time
with friends and family in town.
Good food and sweet treats
have been duely passed 'round.

We've celebrated Christmas
New Year's on the way
School won't start again
for another 6 days.

So pack in the fun
and don't think of to-dos
Avoid all the malls,
which are surely like zoos.

Get time on your side
The present's what we've got
Make memories today -
ones that cannot be bought.

For it's times just like these
that we're meant to enjoy
Realizing that one day
we'll look back on them with joy.

Happy Holidays!

Well, sometimes, it's best to just take a break. So, that's just what I am planning to do.

I'll see you back here after the new year.

Until then, be well my friends...

Christmas present is here to stay...

As Christmas draws ever near, here is my number one favorite Christmas song:

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 

Click here: http://youtu.be/5g4lY8Y3eoo 

(It wouldn't let me embed this video for some reason.)

Why it tops the list: I wish I had some great reason to give why this one is my all-time favorite Christmas song, but, honestly, I don't. Probably what I like best about it is its focus on what (and who) we have so that we might feel blessed and happy with the present Christmas, look back on past Christmases with fond memories, and look ahead to Christmases that will come in the future. Time keeps turning, and we all keep moving, but this song reminds us to stop and cherish the special moment of Christmas each year, no matter where we find ourselves.

At least, that's what it says to me.

So, what about you? Have you thought about your favorite Christmas song? 

No matter what it is, remember to "have yourself a merry little Christmas now."

No Place Like Home for Christmas

"All Hearts Come Home For Christmas." Here's my #2:

I'll Be Home for Christmas

Why it makes the list: It is natural to gather together at Christmas, but for some of us it is not physically possible (due to either death or distance), and such realities can make the holidays an especially difficult time. This song reminds us, however, that at least in thoughts and prayers, our loved ones are with us (and we with them) during this holiday of great joy.

And if we truly believe this, then we all of have something to celebrate.

One Little Town Made Christmas History...

#3 is a song that brings hope:

O Little Town of Bethlehem



Why it makes the list: The mix of such beautiful music and even more beautiful (and hope-filled) words make this probably oft-overlooked Christmas song one we should all cherish.

Take some time today to really reflect on these incredible lyrics:

O little town of Bethlehem

How still we see thee lie

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary

And gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wondering love

O morning stars together

Proclaim the holy birth

And praises sing to God the King

And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may hear His coming,

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him still,

The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem

Descend to us, we pray

Cast out our sin and enter in

Be born to us today

We hear the Christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell

O come to us, abide with us

Our Lord Emmanuel

Bells Are Ringing

"...Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe." #4 coming at you:


I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day




Lyrics found here

Why it makes the list: This song is for all who believe and all who have ever doubted God's promise of His peace. As the song progresses from the introductory chords to its final refrain, it tells of the realization of inherent good in people - the truth that there is "peace on earth, good will to men." 


When we find ourselves bowing our heads in despair, let us be reminded that the bells are ringing...and God is watching.

Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

I'd wager a guess that most of us have been in the shoes of the young boy in this song (my #5):

Little Drummer Boy 

Why it makes the list: Like the little drummer boy, we often find ourselves with no gift fit to lay before Jesus. We come before God empty-handed, and, in light of this, we may feel embarrassed or unworthy.

But God does not see us as unworthy. He sees this as an opportunity to fill us - in the words of St. Augustine of Hippo, "God gives where He finds empty hands." (Our hands should be empty!)

And, in fact, we each do have a gift to bring - and that gift is the talents and love God has given to us that we, in turn, are called to now share with others.


And you thought I liked this song because it has the word "rum" in it, didn't you? Hmm...

Did YOU know...?

Where would Christmas be without Jesus' mother? Here's my #6:

Mary, Did You Know? 

(If the video above does not work, try here --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiaZYZor6vI&feature=player_embedded)

Why it makes the list: I have a confession - this song will always hold a special place in my heart for two reasons: 1- I can still see my lovely sign language club offering up this song as a prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe last year (and my own mom was there to watch too); 2- Because of the Salesians, I will never wander far from Mary's presence and prayers - pray for us!

Does this beautifully written song hold a special place in your heart too? It is the story of both Mary and Jesus. It is a perfect reminder of why we celebrate Christmas...