Today was the first day this season that I hit play on the Christmas music. Lou and I were out running errands together, and I pulled up my trusty Spotify app and chose one of my favorite holiday playlists.
Cue the nostalgia.
Christmas Music That Takes Me Back
Andy Williams started singing, and suddenly I was a kid again. My mom would play Andy, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Burl Ives, Elvis Presley, and Nat King Cole like it was her full-time job during December.
These voices were the soundtrack of our holidays. I can still see the record player spinning and my mom humming along while doing fifty things at once (probably baking something amazing and wrapping presents at the same time).
When cassette tapes became a thing, my mom had hundreds. Our house was always filled with music, and that magical mix of melodies and memories probably had a lot to do with me becoming a music teacher. That love of music stuck – and I passed it along to my own kids.
The New Voices of Christmas
Of course, I love the newer voices, too. Michael Bublé is basically the Sinatra of our generation. Pentatonix can do no wrong. Kelly Clarkson’s Christmas album? So good. And okay, yes, even that Mariah Carey song has a place in my heart – though I swear it follows me around like glitter this time of year!
Deck the Halls … and the Kitchen, and the Living Room
Christmas is just a few weeks away. The house is fully decorated (in true “Christmas exploded” fashion), the menus are coming together, and Andy Williams is still crooning in the background.
Even though our three kids are all grown up now, I still go all out. The garlands, the lights, the ornaments, the music – all of it. And guess what? All three of our kids will be home this Christmas to celebrate with us. I’m beyond excited!
They’ll get to experience the usual: too much food, too many cookies, and – yes – Mom’s Christmas playlist playing on repeat.
Want a Little Christmas Spirit?
The Christmas spirit is alive and well here at the Perugini house. If you need a little dose of holiday cheer, just let me know – I’m happy to send some your way (along with a playlist or a cookie or two).
Wishing you a joyful, musical, and delicious holiday season!
