Advent Day 5

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." -Desmond Tutu

Maybe we can not see the light when we are surrounded by darkness but we can certainly BE the light.  Christmas is a good reminder of that.  What are you looking forward to this Christmas?  I am looking forward to going to church especially on Christmas Eve with a renewed sense of the Christ Child, watching my children enjoy all the wonders the season has to hold, lighting the Advent candles each week, all the cuddles and popcorn while watching Christmas movies with the fake fire on in the background, and singing and listening to Christmas songs and carols.  

Now let's talk Christmas albums.  You remember those things we use to buy that had multiple tracks or songs on it- it could be in the form of a record (I use to call them big black CDs), cassette tapes, or compact discs.  I honestly don't even know how to get music today.  I can usually listen to whatever I want to on the radio, Pandora, or youtube.  I still have some tapes and CDs hanging around in out of the way places.  But how do I pick my favorite Christmas album?  So I will give you the history of the ones that have been favorites in different stages of my life.  Let's start with childhood.  The first Christmas album I remember is the Disney Christmas Favorites.  I think we still played it on a record player.  

Also when you are a kid you are kinda subject to your parents taste in music so here are the three albums I remember most from my childhood.  

I loved the Peter, Paul and Mary one.  My brother and sister and I would sneak around the house freakily singing "Hey Ho Nobody Home."   

When I was a slightly older child I remember when The Donut Man came out with his tape of Christmas songs.  That was "cool" to listen to and "perform" with this one.  

There was a stretch of time when we mostly just listened to the radio.  But then came this gem coming out of nowhere when I was a teenager and we rocked out to it.  

OH YEAH!!!  We loved Hanson- even or maybe I should say "especially" my brother.  I had almost forgotten about this but I think someone reminded me about it on Facebook and now I listen to it with an extra wide smile- oh the 90s!  Also THIS-

Yes, it is cheesy but it is full of fun nostalgia.  Also to round out my small CD collection as a "spiritual" teen I was really into Rebecca St. James so of course I had her Christmas album.

Fast forward......WAY ahead- I was a very broke college student so buying music was very low on my priority list.  But when I got married this came along with husband.  It was fairly new when we were married and it was my absolute favorite for many of our Christmas' together.  

"Hanukkah O Hanukkah" is probably the best.  

But today as I try to be a grown up my ultimate favorite is this guy-

His album Noel gives me chills.  I love when "O Holy Night" comes on the radio.  I get teary eyed.  So there you have it!  What is your Christmas album history?  Or what is your favorite?  I would love to hear it.  To end this post here is my oldest child dancing to Christmas music with a broom partner.