Favorite Holiday Songs :)

[louis33705]

The King's Singers (from Great Britain) with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, O Holy Night!

 

[louis33705]

 

[Ambivalent]

Wow doesn't David look a bit like Evan Parker from Helix.

Jon,

David is a real sweetheart - and possessed of an incredibly beautiful voice - and the only reason I don't torture Mormon missionaries, who come to the door, anymore. (The old drill used to be, a nice kind, "hello", and then an interruption, when they got into their message, to inquire whether they KNOW all the things their sect teaches, and then a request that they recite the Athanasian creed. Of course, they fled, in terror.)

*Of course, this wasn't as bad as what my friend, R (an accomplished violinist with the symphony) used to do to them. He'd invite them in, tell them, "Oh YES, I've heard all about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I would like to hear more about it". . . have them settle down upon the chesterfield. . . and then emerge from his kitchen, naked but for a silk bathrobe, bearing a silver tray with three martinis, held aloft. He's one mean bastard, that Mr. R!

"A" XOXOXOXOXO

*"Latter Days" ~ a movie about cute Mormon missionaries, getting seduced by gay guys ;-)

 

[Ambivalent]

Here are my favourites (in three posts):

* "Silver Bells", Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell, in "The Lemon-Drop Kid" (super politically-incorrect, BTW) My late Mother and I always used to sing this, at the piano, at Christmastime:

 

[Ambivalent]

* "Baby, It's Cold Outside" - sung by the cute little gay lovers from Glee, 'Kurt' and 'Blaine':

 

[Ambivalent]

*"See, Amid the Winter's Snow" - my favourite Christmas hymn, because it is silly, anachronistic, and Eurocentric - there was doubtless no snow, in Bethlehem ;-) And because it has a glorious TUNE. And because it marked the climax of a glorious Christmas radio-special our university choir performed many years ago, on CBC Radio. And, because, in rehearsal, my late friend, the Reverend Canon T.M., charged up the aisle with the processional cross, at the climactic moment ;-)

 

[Ambivalent]

P.S. ~

Here is a little bonus clip, which I always remember at Christmastime, not a song (exactly) but a moment from one of my most beloved movies of all time, Les Parapluies de Cherbourg. (This was Catherine Deneuve's first great movie - the one which made her a star: and her co-star, Nino Castelnuovo, is so beautiful, it makes me WEEP.)

The story is about a young woman who works in an umbrella-store, in Cherbourg. She falls in love with a young man who works at the gas-station around the corner. They share a night of passion. . .

Then he is drafted to the war in Algeria. They promise eternal love. Letters are (as they always are, in melodrama) lost. The young woman discovers she is pregnant. A rich Parisian jeweler, enamoured of her, offers to marry her, and raise the child as his own. She agrees.

Years later, her handsome boyfriend, from the gas-station, returns from the war, injured, but still strong. He marries a girl who loves him to distraction. He buys his own gas-station. They have a son. And they are happy. . . but, he can never entirely forget his FIRST LOVE.

And then, one Christmas Eve, she drives up, and they have one, last, bittersweet, farewell. . . I watch this scene, every Christmas, and it always makes me cry, like a baby. . .

"A" XOXOXOXOXO

 

[joninliverton]

I wish I could write a letter to mine.

 

[Ambivalent]

I wish I could write a letter to mine.

*********************************

Biggest hugs, Jon ~

Though you and I sometimes quarrel, and even fight, you know I think you are a sweetheart, and I love you dearly. I know how much you miss your Dad, as I miss my Mother, too. She died at 54, and my sisters and I miss her, still.

Jon, the first thing I did, when I got a real job, was to save up every penny I could, for a whole year. . . and I went down to Eaton's (a famous Canadian store, which is now expired): and I bought my Mother a beautiful, long, black, mink coat. And put it under the Christmas tree.

Oh! She was so upset! Being a thrifty Scotswoman, she thought the expense was INSANE. But I could see she was so pleased, as she tried it on, in our living-room. I know it made her happy.

Jon, my Mother never wore that coat ANYWHERE, except when she was visiting ME. She never wore it to church, she never wore it in town. Because, she thought, it would be immodest and a sort of "putting on airs." But she always wore it, when she came to visit me, in my dorm, at uni. She wore it. . . only for ME.

Jon, it was a silly extravagance, but I am glad I did it - because two years later, at the age of 54 - she was gone. Now my sister owns that coat, and she wears it when she takes me to midnight Mass for Christmas, at the cathedral, in our little town, in the arctic. We don't talk about it, but we both know what it means.

Jon, I know that Christmas, and all these "happy", family, occasions, are often very sad for those of us who have loved and lost someone dear to us, too soon. Of course we have to do our best, go on, and share our love with those who are still with us - but, I know, my sweet friend, it isn't easy. The feelings are always mixed, and if there is joy, it is always mingled, with pain.

I think all we can do, is to give all the love and joy we can, the BEST we can, as LONG as we can. And find some comfort in the reflected joy we give to others.

This Christmas, I will light a candle for your Dear Dad, and for you, at that cathedral, in the arctic. You a dear, dear, friend, and I hope that knowing you are loved by so many people, all around the world, brings you a little comfort, and hope. I love you, too.

Love, and God bless you, your friend,
"A" XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

 

[mikeyank]

This may seem like a silly memory, but as a kid. I was a huge fan of The Dick Van Dyke Show, and I'll always remember the Christmas special on the Alan Brady Show, when Richie Petrie sings this song.

 

[johnny]

Such a sissy I am. Again you guy's made the tears flow..I Love all your music. I am going to have my teacher
teach me how to do it. He try's..Ambi when I was in the chips I got my Mom a silver mike stole. She had silver hair.
She was mad at me for spending the money. But she loved it. She was the most fun to buy for. Sure miss her...
Great memories...Thanks...xo johnny..

 

[Kylebrand]

can't find: "I'll be home for Christmas" nor Mormon Choir singing "Battle Hymn of the Republic". ???

 

[Kylebrand]

Just found "Battle Hymn" hiding underneath Louis' Mormon post. Two versions, The one that says "Best" is best. Go figure. Page 4

 

[louis33705]

While this is not a professional performance, it is something I am very proud of. This was the closing song played at my granddaughter's Christmas concert last night. She plays 1st chair, second violin and her BF plays 1st chair cello. It is a wonderful time of the year!

 

[johnny]

Hi Everybody. lol This is my first time posting a song. If it works? I first need to thank my teacher mikeyank.
Who has taught me a lot. And I haven't been the easiest student. But my lines are now all in a row. Thanks mike
So here goes. I will dedicate this to Paul Just because. If it works? The song says it all. xoxo johnny

 

[joninliverton]

LOL just confirms to me that Bieber can't sing either lol

 

[Ambivalent]

can't find: "I'll be home for Christmas" nor Mormon Choir singing "Battle Hymn of the Republic". ???

****************************************

Here you go, Kyle, sweetheart. I hope you have a beautiful Christmas.

Love, your friend,
"A" XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

 

[Ambivalent]

Hi Everybody. lol This is my first time posting a song. If it works? I first need to thank my teacher mikeyank.
Who has taught me a lot. And I haven't been the easiest student. But my lines are now all in a row. Thanks mike
So here goes. I will dedicate this to Paul Just because. If it works? The song says it all. xoxo johnny

******************************************

Worked fine, Johnny!

"A" ))))

 

[Ambivalent]

LOL just confirms to me that Bieber can't sing either lol

**************************************

Jon ~

Bieber cain't sing. But that was never the point, for his fans.

If you're a super-good boy, maybe I will give you MY JENSEN ACKLES, for Christmas.

"A" XOXOXOXOXO

 

[Ambivalent]

P.S.

Guys ~ I don't think Jon (being a Limey) has got a hot clue what a big Christmas present I just have Jon. I have loved Jensen - sweet li'l Texas boy - since EVER.

And Jensen has been in TV, since EVER. I have a friend who is married to a TV critic, and they go down to L.A. to meet the TV stars, every year. And she has gotten to meet most of my favourite TV stars. But. . . every year, for a decade, I'd say: you give JENSEN a hug and a kiss from me, y'heah?

Well, this year, she finally DID IT. And now, I am giving up my TV b/f, to JON from LIVERTON, for CHRISTMAS. I am a saint, I guess. . .

"A" XOXOXOXOXO ;-)))