Christmas Music

The last month or so has been flooded with Christmas music for me. I've found a lot of new music that I can listen to that gets me thinking and smiling about the season and I've been playing a lot of music on all three of my instruments for the first time ever. I had played some on sax when I was in high school, but have never been able to play Christmas music on my guitar and on bass also. It's busy, but it's a blast. I couldn't escape the music of the season if I wanted to, but it's fine because I'm truly enjoying it!

I've been able to transpose songs from an old hymnal to play on my sax, and have found the chords for most of those same hymns so I can play them on my guitar. It's really exciting for me. Both of these things means more stuff for my music students to play so other than just playing them on my own, I get to play them when we meet weekly for lessons. My sax student and my bass student get Christmas music, and I hope it is helping them to enjoy the season a bit more too. I'm also participating on the bass and sax for the International church's Christmas eve service this week. Don't get too excited, I'm only doing sax on one song right at the beginning (so if you're planning on being there and want to see/hear it, don't be late!). It's honestly the first time I've performed on sax since my sophomore year at Bethany when I played with a Latino worship band for the 24 hour worship chapel! It's exciting to get to play again though. I'll be playing all the other songs on bass though. Did I mention playing with this band is an amazing experience? I think if we really wanted to, we could record a pretty amazing worship album! That's how good it feels when we play together!

I've never really paid this much attention to Christmas music before though. I'm enjoying the Christian and secular music alike, some of it just makes me smile (like Brian Setzer singin' about Santa and his big block Chevrolet!). Others remind me of my childhood (like the chipmunks Christmas album!). Others are just beautiful to listen to (like Celtic Women's version of "Carol of the Bells"), and some just compel you to sing along like many of the traditional Christmas carols. I'm finding new favs left and right and mixing them with old favs.

I love this time of year, and living where I am on my own, the music really sets the tone for me. I love Christmas music, new and old, because all of it ultimately brings joy to my heart and reminds me constantly of the blessings of Christ.

What's your favorite Christmas music?