One of my favorite aspects of Christmas is the music. I love Christmas music, spanning almost all generations and genres.
Have you ever noticed how something about Christmas music allows Christian radio stations to play secular music (e.g., Jingle Bell Rock), and secular music stations to play overtly Christian music (e.g., Hark the Herald Angels Sing)? Curious.
And while we’re on the topic, I was saddened to hear that Dan Folgelberg recently died. It was only last year at this time that I discovered he sang Christmas tunes.
Merry Christmas!
Your observation about Christian and secular Christmas music was on my mind just the other day. I laughed to myself as I was shopping in a store which last year had banned “Merry Christmas” instead using “Happy Holidays”. While shopping there this season, I found myself humming along to an overtly Christian Christmas carole. Ironic, isn’t it? The rest of the year society avoids religion and even threatens to sue…but, somehow for a few weeks the old Christmas caroles are not offensive.
I don’t get it, but I have been enjoying all the wonderful Christmas music anyways (since early November :)). I was happy to find a radio station still playing Christmas music on Dec. 26. The abrupt ending of all things Christmas on the 26th is no good! Especially since they have Valentine’s Day stuff out already! Yikes! It’s still Christmas time, isn’t it?
A bit of a random note, but speaking of Christmas music: Michele and I discovered Sufjan Stevens’ boxed set of Christmas music this year, and listened to it through most of December. I think you’d like it.
Dawn, I must confess the Christmas music didn’t stop on the 26th in our house this year. However, we didn’t open some presents until the whole family was together later in the week, so I felt justified. 😛
Andy, thanks for the recommendation. Those CDs were actually on my Christmas list this year because I read a recommendation for them a while back. I may need to suck it up and purchase them myself. Thanks for the tip!