That Holiday Feeling

 I got this record last year at the used bookstore for a quarter.  Love it!  And the holidays would be amiss without Steve and Eydie!  Enjoy!

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

 This version of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear was the theme for 1974's Christmas Seal campaign.  I think it's a lovely rendition and I really enjoy this arrangement.  Enjoy!

Quote of the day

 

In The Bleak Midwinter

 This is one of those songs that I never knew I liked until I really sat down and listened to it.  For so many years, honestly, the title just put me off so I never paid attention to it.  One day I was listening to it on my headphones and realized how extremely beautiful this piece is.  And, until recently, I never knew that Gustav Holst composed it.  I have always loved his music, so it makes sense to me that I should love this as well.  Enjoy!

Recipe of the Week - Brussels Sprout Salad

 We really enjoy brussels sprouts at our house so I am always looking for new ways to prepare them.  Normally, I just quarter them and saute' them in olive oil with salt and pepper. They're quite delicious this way.  However, I don't want to run any recipe into the ground so I am always on the hunt for something new.  When I was googling brussels sprouts, the search for brussels sprout salads came up so I clicked on it and found this.  We really enjoyed it and I will be making it again!  Enjoy!

Brussels Sprouts Salad

12-24 Brussels Sprouts

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup crumbled bacon

1/2 cup romano cheese

1.5 Tbsp lemon juice

1/3 cup orange juice

1/2 cup olive oil

1 Tbsp minced garlic

In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, orange juice and garlic.  Slowly add olive oil until it is all completely blended.  Refrigerate until ready to serve salad.  

Shred/finely chop your brussels sprouts.  Add almonds, bacon and cheese.  Toss to mix well.  When ready to serve, toss in the dressing and mix well!

*When choosing your sprouts, go for the larger ones as they will have more green leaves and less core.

In Dulci Jubilo

 One of my favorite classical Christmas pieces!  It's such a beautiful song and I find it very peaceful.  Enjoy!

A Cup of Christmas Tea

 I listen to this poem every year.  I first heard it on the radio in the late 80's/early 90's sometime.  It was on a Christmas program on 1100 WBT AM Radio out of Charlotte.  I have always loved it and it expresses some beautiful feelings about loved ones during the holidays and all year round.  Enjoy!

Silent Night

 

Carol of the Bells

 I wanted to include a handbell piece in my Christmas music this year and what better piece than Carol of the Bells.  It's such a fun song and would be a blast to play!  Enjoy!

The Christmas Song

 This is a lovely rendition of this perennial Christmas favorite written by Mel Torme'.  I heard Carol Burnette's version on one of my Christmas records and just think it's wonderful.  Very simple and showcases her beautiful voice.  Enjoy! 

Where Are You Christmas

 I have been a fan of Faith Hill's for as long as I can remember.  Even though it's hard to classify her music....is it country?  is it pop?....her voice is strong and beautiful.  I find this song to be both beautiful and bittersweet.  Some times the holidays are hard.  I know I have moments of melancholy during the holiday season.  I think we all do.  But I keep going and still enjoy them.  And this song is sometimes how I feel during those times.  It gets me through and I cherish it.  Enjoy!

Caroling, Caroling

 When it comes to Christmas and the music of Nat King Cole, I know that most people are automatically drawn to his rendition of The Christmas Song.  And yes, that is a classic for sure!  However, this is my favorite of his Christmas carols/songs.  It is another one of Alfred Burt's Christmas Cards (See post on Some Children See Him).  And Mom had one of Nat King Cole's Christmas albums when I was growing up that has this on it.  I have always loved it and still do.  Enjoy!

Jingle Bells

 Jingle Bells is a holiday classic.  I really do love Manheim Steamroller's interpretation of this song.  Hope you enjoy!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

 A beautiful song.  It has a very different meaning this year to most of us, but that is fine.  It makes us appreciate our lives more.  Enjoy!

In Our World - Emmet Otter

 It just wouldn't be Christmas without Emmet Otter!  I have this on DVD and it's an interesting watch because it's different than the one I grew up watching.  This one doesn't have Kermit the Frog narrating it and there are lines that I distinctly remember that are not there anymore.  Still, it's a touching story and always a joy to watch!  Enjoy!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

 There are so many wonderful recordings of this song, but I always go back to the original with The Harry Simeone Chorale.  It's such a beautiful rendition and I find it very haunting.  It sticks with me.  Enjoy!

A Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson

 Even though Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride is much more well known, chances are you've heard this piece as well.  We played it every year in high school band.  It's fun and festive.  One of the things I admire about his composing is that his pieces sound very impressive, but are relatively easy to play, making it a win win situation for any band or orchestra.  Enjoy!

Christmas Quote of the Day

 How true this is!  I hope that when all of my loved ones look back on this Christmas, they won't just think about the craziness of the year...and it has been so crazy.  But, they will remember this Christmas as one to cherish.  One in which we all took the time to be thankful for what we have and who we have and to carry the spirit of Christmas in the small things this year.  That is my hope and also my intention.  Be blessed!

Some Children See Him

 This song is also a beautiful piece of music, very poignant.  I have Ms. Carroll on several records singing this and I love her version.  Maybe it's because it is the one that I grew up hearing at home during Christmas, but still it's lovely.  I actually learned, while watching an old holiday episode of the Lawrence Welk Show (can't help it lol)  that the writer of these lyrics, Alfred Burt, was a jazz musician who gave carols as Christmas cards for over a decade.  This is one of his Christmas cards, actually.  He also wrote "This is Christmastime", "Caroling, Caroling" and "The Star Carol".  Sadly, he passed away at age 33.  I can only imagine the wonderful things he would have created if he had lived longer.  Still, it's a beautiful song.  Enjoy!

My Grown Up Christmas List

 Natalie Cole was the first artist I heard sing this song, and hers is still my favorite version.  Another Contemporary Christmas song that I enjoy.  The older I get, the more I understand and appreciate it.  It says what so many of us feel.  Enjoy!

The Candlelight Carol

 I first heard this beautiful carol by John Rutter some twenty plus years ago when I was in college.  I was watching Christmas at St. Olaf and one of the choirs sang this.  I have loved it ever since.  Hope you do too!

Still, Still, Still

 This is one of my all time favorite carols.  It's so peaceful and comforting.  Enjoy!

All Those Christmas Cliches

 This is another perennial favorite of mine.  I have loved Nancy Lamott's singing for years and her Christmas album is no exception.  This is one of the few contemporary songs of the holidays that I really like.  I think it's because it's a reminder of holidays past.  It's just lovely and expresses greatly how I feel about the yuletide season.  Enjoy!

Christmas Quote of the Day

 This one pretty much sums it all up for me :)

 

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

 

I always like to start off my Christmas season music with this wonderful gem.  I remember when I first saw this movie back in the late 80's on cable.  I was completely enthralled with the story and, at the time, I didn't know that's where the song came from.  It's so poignant and meaningful, especially in these times....as most of us are having a "little" Christmas because that's what we need to do.  This song reminds me, specifically of my wonderful UNCG BFA acting family and I wish them all a wonderful holiday season!

Christmas Quote of the day

 My holiday wish for us all!