Blue Christmas
Growing up, Christmas always meant two things: 1) Cold and mostly snowy days and 2) the promise of family and gluttony. Moving to California has negated most of that. The weather is chilly, foggy and rainy, but mostly Berkeley isn’t a very festive town. There are some lights haphazardly placed on random trees, and really that’s about it. I do have my immediate and loving family of April and Jocelyn. Jocelyn is doing well, except for some gas issues which makes her very fussy, unable to sleep, and keeps her on the edge of a full blown crying fit. April has discovered a way of holding her that helps relieve some of the pressure, and we bought some baby “gas-x,” and hopefully that will alleviate some of the pain. This leads me to another reason why the Christmas spirit hasn’t taken over the Bauer apartment, taking care of a 3 1/2 week old has left us too exhausted to think about it. I’ve tried pretty hard though. I got the Christmas tree up, lights up, stockings are hanging from our nonfunctional fireplace, and most of all, I’ve been listening to Christmas music for spirit enhancement.
Inspired by afreeman, I thought I would give my Christmas Music list that I’ve been enjoying this year. This version of Blue Christmas, was introduced to me by Velma, and I can’t seem to find out who performed it. So if Velma or Mark or anyone knows, please let me know. Thanks
“Lonely Christmas” – Ben Folds
“Home For The Holidays” – Perry Como
“You Gotta Get Up” – Five Iron Frenzy
“Come on! Let’s Boogey to the Elf Dance!” – Sufjan Stevens
“No Christmas For Me” – Zee Avi
“Someday At Christmas” – Jack Johnson
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” – Sufjan Stevens
“Here It Is Christmas” – The Old 97’s
“Winter Wonderland” – Liz Phair
and finally
“Suddenly This Christmas” – Loudon Wainwright III
There are some other songs that are also on my play list, but this will be enough for this year.
I hear ya….I would love to be sitting in Illinois right now, not it dusty Botswana with my 100 degree weather!
What I’ve learned though is that Christmas is what you make it. We still celebrate with the traditional things that we would in the US and the real reason for the season isn’t wrapped up in trees and lights. That reason is even more important now that we have children. Even though they are too little to understand all of it.
Andrew had gas issues as well……we went through a ton of mylacon drops, but it does get better! You’re such a good hubby to get the decorations up for April! I am sure that is helping lift her spirits too! I’m not ready for those sleepless nights again……
It’s Collective Soul.
Glad you like it!
You know what the problem is? Bill O’Reilly tells me that you’re living smack in the middle of the enemy headquarters in The War on Christmas (TM).
Great list. I love the Ben Folds track and have never heard the Liz Phair version of Winter Wonderland – wonderful!
Zach had dreadful colic and it took us ages to figure out that me eating dairy or chocolate had a massive effect on his digestive system. Once I cut that out he was much happier.
I hope you enjoy your first Christmas as a new family. Next year maybe you can have the food, family and snow!
Take care and best wishes to you, April and Jocelyn