My dear friend Susan tagged me for this .  Basically, you pick your favourite holiday songs.  This is the first year where I haven't had to wear ear-protection when shopping.  I kid you not.  The relentless musical joy used to be an awful, ironic score to my dulled, sick and saddened mind.  This year, I'm not bothered.  In fact, I've found myself even humming some carols.  'Tis my season of hope!

You should know that I was born in England, the daughter of an Irish Catholic father and a Scottish Presbyterian mother.  When we moved to Belgium when I was ten, my mental health issues made the school required my seeing a psychiatrist as a condition of my continued enrollment.  So instead, I went to boarding school in England, until we moved to the States.

My fondest memories of the Christmas season were formed early and reinforced by four years at the religious boarding school.  I joined the choir, having tried out as a joke.  The teacher was impressed by my alto through soprano range.  Years later, I sang on stage in New Jersey State Theatre.  My first choice is the carol I sang:


Coventry Carol.

The Holly and the Ivy.

In the Bleak Midwinter.

O Holy Night, (hearing).
O Holy Night, (ASL).

Silent Night. a lovely rendition which makes the sound of silence a sacred affair. 


This was an enjoyable distraction for me.  But I know how crazy the holidays are.  I haven't plucked a single dark hair off my chin in weeks.  So, here's the deal.  If you chose to participate, then it's on you.  Be sure to backlink.  I want to stalk you, 'kay?