Last week it came to me that I should recount for you all the circumstances of our first Christmas as husband and wife – 36 years ago now.
Reading between the lines of the last post, you might have guessed that our job is demanding and challenging. As ‘resident’ managers, we’re always on call – even on our one day off. But this isn’t the first time we’ve had a job like this one – but last time, the ‘tenants’ were a lot less trouble.
I can’t remember how Rick heard about the employment opportunity – probably through Student Job Placement at Butte College. Hall-Van Hook Funeral Chapel in Chico was hiring ‘night’ managers. I can’t remember all that was in the ad, but they were looking for a couple to live on the premises and help out after normal business hours – some duties were what you would expect: janitorial services and property security were a given. But, the responsibilities of managing a funeral home are – shall we say – unique.
We learned we were the successful candidates the second week in December, 1973. We had only been married a few months and had been residing in Rick’s old stomping grounds – the huge metropolis of Princeton, California. At least our mailing address was Princeton. I hardly think ‘third rice field on the left past the corner of Road P’ qualifies as an address. Any way, when we learned of the advantages – housing, utilities and $100/month salary provided in exchange for our duties - we gladly exchanged our $100-per-month-three-bedroom-house-in-the-country for the small apartment above the Chapel near downtown Chico.
During the interview and actual orientation/training process we learned more about our new job: We were actually job-sharing with another college couple. As the senior managers, ‘Dan’ and ‘Pam’ lived across the hall from us in the luxury suite. Their apartment was spacious and comfortable – hardwood floors - in fact, there was wood everywhere – a really lovely and well-kept building in general. In fact, they already had their Christmas tree up and it was stunning.!
We were to rotate the duty schedule – we would be on-call every other night and every other weekend. Our ‘work’ day began at 5 p.m. when the chapel business office closed for the evening. After hours, we answered the phone, greeted guests who came for a visitation or the occasional evening funeral service, and did routine janitorial chores. If memorial folders needed to be printed for the next day’s services, we did that too – on an old off-set press where we actually had to set the type and print them one at a time, by hand. Even when vacuuming and cleaning the toilets, Rick had to be dressed up in a suit and tie, in case he got a call and had to fulfill the priority of his job description – helping the funeral director collect the deceased and assist with the actual embalming of the remains.
Nights we were on call, the phone would often ring after we went to sleep. No matter how groggy he might have felt, Rick would answer in his best professional voice, ‘Hall Van-Hook Funeral Chapel.’ The call rang at the funeral director’s residence too. He never answered the call – that was Rick’s job – but if he was on call too, the funeral director – Ric, short for Fredrick, was usually listening in to get the details for the pick up. Rick would have to then get up, quickly dress in his suit and tie, and hurry downstairs to get the hearse warmed up. Ric would soon arrive to meet him, and they would drive together to the hospital, rest home or private residence to retrieve the body and transport it back to the chapel. They would then immediately set to work on the embalming. Sometimes it was daybreak or later when Rick would come back to the apartment. If he didn’t have class he’d come back to bed, if he did, he might have to go right to school. As I recall we were on duty until 8 a.m., so he’d have to hustle to catch the bus – a 30 minute trip to campus from Chico.
So, there we were, in a new-and-demanding job, just days before our first ‘married’ Christmas. Both our families lived close, and both were looking forward to having us spend time with them for the holidays. But Christmas fell on the weekend that year – Dan and Pam’s weekend off – so we were trapped. We couldn’t really leave the building. I couldn’t even go to the store. If Rick was called out, I had to be there to answer the phones in his absence. On our weekends on call, we couldn’t even go to church. We were sequestered from 5 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Monday morning.
And since Dan and Pam’s families both lived in the Bay area, and since as students, they were on a break from their classes at Chico State, we offered to work both Christmas and New Year’s weekends for them. I believe we took all their night calls for the week as well. It was business-as-usual in the Chapel office, so we could go out during the day to get shopping done, etc.
Anyway, since they wouldn’t be around, our co workers offered us the use of their spacious apartment while they were gone. I don’t think we slept in their bed, but we did enjoy their beautifully-decorated Christmas tree. We sat in front of it for hours every evening – Rick in his suit and tie - playing board games – particularly Aggravation – and Rick won game after game after game – until I thought that would be our first and ONLY Christmas together as I would divorce him after his unprecedented (and aggravating) winning streak.
And, you know, I think, the job was kind of off-putting to our families. We lived within thirty miles of both of them. We didn’t even receive a phone call from any of them – let alone a Christmas visit.
At 5 p.m. Christmas Eve, we did get an unexpected surprise from our boss – a $10 Christmas Bonus – and we’d only been with the company two weeks! What a great job this was going to be!
Remarkably, the ‘house’ was quiet and empty for the week – not a single night call either. We were adjusting to our new situation nicely, despite the demands and unusual duties. As Christian believers, we were Biblically taught regarding life AND death. When the soul departs the body, it is clearly just a shell – an empty vessel.
However, we always kept the door leading down the back stairs into the Chapel locked and bolted – just in case!
Merry Christmas from Zombieland!
About Me
- Zepmom
- Las Cruces, NM
- Child of God, Wife of one, Mother of two, Mother-in-Law of two, Grandmother of 3 girls and 2 boys - , Friend...Growing in the knowledge of Christ, always reforming as the Holy Spirit faithfully and graciously applies the Word of God to my heart.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Life and Other Incidentals
Well, it's been awhile since writing a 'Lopez' update, but we're still alive and kicking down here in the borderland. In fact, it's been so long that it's kind of hard for an old person to remember all that's been happening...the days are long and the nights are short - and not just because it's winter! I haven't been sleeping much since the time changed, and it's starting to take a toll. Lately it's not unusual for me to wake up at 3-4 a.m. Hardly enough sleep to keep me functioning - let alone alert - considering how long our days are.
A month or so ago, Rick went to his doctor to be treated for some kind of crud that was going around and found out he's joined the ranks of mature folks with laundry lists of physical ailments. The good news, though, is his doc says nothing - at this point - is cause for SERIOUS alarm. But he has high cholesterol, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and pre-diabetic blood sugar levels and is now on medication for the three. He's getting used to his 'new' pill-popping, salt-free, fat-free, beer-free regimen - in fact, he only mentions it a dozen or so times a day. Sadly, he doesn't think he really feels any better - in fact, with the effect of all the meds, he feels more lethargic than ever. By God's Grace we're making it through each day though. It's a moment-by-moment walk - as with everyone.
The new Discount Storage construction is rolling along - literally - the new buildings arrived on four tractor/trailers from Wisconsin and were offloaded all day yesterday. Boss Max is hopeful the project will be finished in early spring if the weather cooperates. He's hoping to finish the entire expansion now rather than do it in 2 phases. That would be nice for us - it's my opinion that it's better not to drag things out. Applying an old 'proverb' to this situation - is it better to cut the dog's tail off all at once or a piece at a time?
Long-time readers may remember way-back-when I made a bold statement about how Rick and I should be able to do this job for a long time. I didn't know what I was talking about! The demands are harder than we ever considered, and when the 400 new units are added to our inventory, I can't imagine what it will be like. We hope Rick's energy level improves and I start getting some rest, because that's a lot more square-footage and tenants to deal with!
The 'warm' weather has returned for now - It's still wonderful to get up to sunshine almost every day. Which always reminds me that the Lord's 'compassions are new every morning'! And that's what keeps us going!
The so-called 'desert' weather has been interesting to say the least - we had 'snow' twice in one week - one heavier storm than the other, there's actually still snow on the Organs. The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had a terrific electrical storm and torrential rains that caused a lot of general havoc - among which it disabled 5 of our survellience cameras - which are still 'out'. Last week we had the worst wind storm I've ever seen here or anyplace else. The entire dirt construction lot seems to have been blown up on the concrete aisles - maybe we'll find the lost ark of the covenant amongst the devestation! Today I 'accused' Rick of washing the outside of the upstairs windows, which he vehemently denied. We finally came to the conclusion the wind must have 'sand blasted' them clean!
Year-end wrap-up coming soon!
"Your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all "
—Thomas Brooks
A month or so ago, Rick went to his doctor to be treated for some kind of crud that was going around and found out he's joined the ranks of mature folks with laundry lists of physical ailments. The good news, though, is his doc says nothing - at this point - is cause for SERIOUS alarm. But he has high cholesterol, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and pre-diabetic blood sugar levels and is now on medication for the three. He's getting used to his 'new' pill-popping, salt-free, fat-free, beer-free regimen - in fact, he only mentions it a dozen or so times a day. Sadly, he doesn't think he really feels any better - in fact, with the effect of all the meds, he feels more lethargic than ever. By God's Grace we're making it through each day though. It's a moment-by-moment walk - as with everyone.
The new Discount Storage construction is rolling along - literally - the new buildings arrived on four tractor/trailers from Wisconsin and were offloaded all day yesterday. Boss Max is hopeful the project will be finished in early spring if the weather cooperates. He's hoping to finish the entire expansion now rather than do it in 2 phases. That would be nice for us - it's my opinion that it's better not to drag things out. Applying an old 'proverb' to this situation - is it better to cut the dog's tail off all at once or a piece at a time?
Long-time readers may remember way-back-when I made a bold statement about how Rick and I should be able to do this job for a long time. I didn't know what I was talking about! The demands are harder than we ever considered, and when the 400 new units are added to our inventory, I can't imagine what it will be like. We hope Rick's energy level improves and I start getting some rest, because that's a lot more square-footage and tenants to deal with!
The 'warm' weather has returned for now - It's still wonderful to get up to sunshine almost every day. Which always reminds me that the Lord's 'compassions are new every morning'! And that's what keeps us going!
The so-called 'desert' weather has been interesting to say the least - we had 'snow' twice in one week - one heavier storm than the other, there's actually still snow on the Organs. The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had a terrific electrical storm and torrential rains that caused a lot of general havoc - among which it disabled 5 of our survellience cameras - which are still 'out'. Last week we had the worst wind storm I've ever seen here or anyplace else. The entire dirt construction lot seems to have been blown up on the concrete aisles - maybe we'll find the lost ark of the covenant amongst the devestation! Today I 'accused' Rick of washing the outside of the upstairs windows, which he vehemently denied. We finally came to the conclusion the wind must have 'sand blasted' them clean!
Year-end wrap-up coming soon!
"Your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all "
—Thomas Brooks
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Reed's Musical Christmas Advent Calendar
Reed's Musical Christmas Advent Calendar
In honor of a childhood favorite, the Advent calendar, here's an eclectic blend of great holiday tunes - one for each day from now until Christmas.
By Reed Eckhardt
reckhardt@wyomingnews.com
One of the best holiday traditions of my childhood was the Advent calendar.
Each year, my mother would pick one out for my sisters and me to help us count down the days until to Christmas.
I can still feel the glitter on the cardboard and see the brightly decorated scene with the closed flaps, one for each day. And I can remember how hard it was to resist opening them all at once, which was a real no-no. Who would dare risk Mother's - or Santa's - wrath?
I continued the tradition with my daughters, and the search to find just the right calendar brought early joy to my Christmas seasons. One year, a miniature nativity scene was formed as the girls opened the doors to find plastic sheep, camels, Wise Men and, of course, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
I haven't gone Advent calendar hunting in a while, but I thought I would continue the tradition this year with a listing of holiday music.
Unlike my 2008 list - which was more old school - this group is more eclectic. And it features a number songs and artists that I have discovered during recent years' Christmas music searches. It includes songs that make me happy, inspire me or add a little hop to my step.
I love Christmas music, and I know you do, too. I hope this list will add a bit of holiday cheer.
So here is my 2009 Musical Christmas Advent Calendar. It is designed so that you can "open" one song each day, starting today, the first day of Advent, with the last track set for Christmas morning.
Or you can open them all at once and build a holiday playlist to carry around on your iPod of MP3 player. Go ahead and do that if you want to: Mother isn't watching.
Nov. 29: "Sleigh Ride," Boney James - Grammy Award-winning saxophonist James turns it loose on this track from his 1996 album "Boney's Funky Christmas." I bought this album on a lark last year, and this track kept my 2008 Christmas in full, funky swing. It will get your 2009 holiday season off to a bouncing start, too.
Nov. 30: "Do You Hear What I Hear/Drummer Boy," Vanessa Williams - This is another song that I couldn't get enough of in 2008. A friend of my wife's introduced me to this track on a gift CD at her Christmas party. I love the beat and Williams' voice. This is from "20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection, The Best of Vanessa Williams (1996)."
Dec. 1: "O Come, Come Emanuel," Sixpence None the Richer - With a name inspired from the C.S. Lewis novel "Mere Christianity," this Christian band offers a sweet, uncluttered approach to Christmas music on its 2008 album, "Dawn of Grace." Lead singer Leigh Nash has the perfect voice for this song
Dec. 2: "My Favorite Things," Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Alpert's trumpet was a staple of my childhood; it was always on the stereo. The group's 1996 "Christmas Album" was ruined by overproduction that pushed the star - Alpert's sterling trumpet - to the background. Still, this song will stick with you.
Dec. 3: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," Jethro Tull - Has anyone every played the flute like Ian Anderson of this 1960s rock group? He gives every tune its all, including this jazzy instrumental adaptation of my favorite Christmas carol. You'll enjoy the piano and guitar work as well on this track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album."
Dec. 4: "How Many Kings?" downhere - Another Christian rock group, downhere's lyrics on this song really hit home - the idea that God sent his son to join man at the first Christmas. This track is from their 2009 album "How Many Kings: Song for Christmas." This one will stay with you all day.
Dec. 5: "First Noel," Chris Botti - In his 2002 album "December," Botti turns his trumpet loose on a contemplative set of holiday songs, running toward the quiet side of the holiday. Some critics have called Botti's sound "chill," meaning smooth jazz with a touch of cool jazz. Enjoy this artist's approach to a wonderful traditional carol.
Dec. 6: "We Three Kings/Carol of the Bells," Kenny G - I know it is hip to make fun of Kenny G's work, but I love the sound of his soprano sax. This cut is from his 2008 album, "The Greatest Holiday Classics," which takes the best of his three previous albums: "Miracles" (1993), "Faith" (1999) and "Wishes" (2002). Yeah, I'm a sucker, but this is just great for the holidays.
Dec. 7: "Nutcracker Suite, Overture," Moscow Philharmonic - It is not Christmas without the "Nutcracker," preferably the ballet with a live orchestra. This 2007 recording is the most complete that I can find of the suite; I commend it to you.
Dec. 8: "Christmas Must Be Tonight," the Band - In order to fulfill its contract with Capitol Records, the Band recorded "Islands" in 1977, after its touring days were over. I'm letting my age show with this choice, but this group still speaks to me.
Dec. 9: "Who Comes This Night," James Taylor - Another old timer, this cut from Taylor's "At Christmas" (2006) is another nice addition to our advent calendar. Taylor's well-known voice and earnest sound make this song - and album - a winner.
Dec. 10: "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Chicago - Take this 1945 Christmas song and mix in Chicago's brassy sound and arrangements and you've got something going. This is from "Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa (2003)." I stumbled across it just this holiday season, and it has risen near the top of my favorite holiday albums.
Dec. 11: "Must Be Santa," Bob Dylan - Dylan, the great cynic, doing Christmas songs? Yep. For the first time ever, the man with the gravelly voice has released a holiday set that will challenge your ears - at least on the first listen or two. But "Christmas in the Heart" grows on you. Besides, it's for a good cause: All the royalties go to Feeding America.
Dec. 12: "Sing!" Josh Wilson - Perhaps not strictly a Christmas song, "Sing" by the Christian singer-songwriter Wilson captures the underlying spirit of the holidays. The lyrics are powerful and the instrumental backing will knock you over.
Dec. 13: "Joy to the World," Brian Culbertson - Ah, some more smooth jazz funk, this time by pianist Culbertson from his 2006 album, "A Soulful Christmas." He sets a gospel tone with the backing of a choir, but you'd never mistake this for a church song.
Dec. 14: "Winter Wonderland," Roy Hargrove and Shirley Horn - This musical Advent calendar takes a turn toward harder jazz with this piece by Grammy-winning trumpeter Hargrove and singer/pianist Horn. Her voice is lush and blends with Hargove's groovy horn. A great combo.
Dec. 15: "I Believe in Father Christmas," Sarah Brightman - This piece by the internationally known soprano speaks about the joy and excitement of the season. Yes, this piece from "A Winter Symphony" (2008) is a bit overblown, but what about this holiday isn't?
Dec. 16: "Jingle Bell Rock," Jo-El Sonnier - Is there any happier music than that which comes from south Louisiana? Fiddles, accordions, singers with French accents. In this cut from the 2002 album "Cajun Christmas," Sonnier cuts loose with the joie de vivre (joy of living) that marks life in a special part of the world. Ai-eee!
Dec. 17: "Here Comes Santa Claus," Ramsey Lewis Trio - Jazz pianist Lewis and his boys keep the happy feelings going in this cut from "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000). Lewis was known as the "great performer," and he shows why in a rendition of this 1947 tune that was co-written by Gene Autry.
Dec. 18: "Christmas Time Is Here," Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas is not the same without a viewing of "Charlie Brown's Christmas." Here, pianist Guaraldi leads his trio in one of the highlights from the 1965 TV special. It's a chance to slow down before the final week of the holidays begins.
Dec. 19: "A Christmas Song," Jethro Tull - Sixties' rocker Anderson and Jethro Tull are back for a message song. A bit preachy perhaps, but it is good to remember what this hullabaloo is all about. Another track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album," Tull is the only performer to make this list twice.
Dec. 20: "All My Bells Are Ringing," Lenka - A little bit of sugary pop from this Australian songwriter and performer. Yes, the last few days of the season are supposed to be fun; this will help. This song comes from the 2008 compilation "The Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs."
Dec. 21: "Come On, Ring Those Bells," Kristin Chenowith - Another bouncy number to keep you smiling. Taken from "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas" (2008), this song lets the soprano, who is known in Broadway circles for "Wicked" but who also has appeared on TV and in the movies, to have some fun. Join in on the chorus.
Dec. 22: "The Christmas Song," Dave Koz - Settle in with the smooth jazz saxophonist and his friends on this calm rendition of the song made famous by Nat King Cole. Included are pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Rick Braun and singer Brenda Russell. From "A Smooth Jazz Christmas" (2001).
Dec. 23: "The Christmas Waltz," Beegie Adair - Jazz pianist Adair eases us into the final days of Christmas with a fine performance of this standard from "Jazz Piano Christmas" (1999). The Nashville session veteran lays down this tune with precision and care. Well done.
Christmas Eve: "Zat You, Santa Claus?" Louis Armstrong - Well, it is Christmas Eve, and the kids will be asking that question before long. Armstrong provides a dose of New Orleans jazz as the hours tick down. From "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000).
Christmas: "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Jackson 5 - Fitting, in the year of his death, that the young Michael Jackson wraps up the 2009 musical Advent calendar. A fun song for Christmas morning. What a great voice the young man had! From "A Motown Christmas" (1999). Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year's.
In honor of a childhood favorite, the Advent calendar, here's an eclectic blend of great holiday tunes - one for each day from now until Christmas.
By Reed Eckhardt
reckhardt@wyomingnews.com
One of the best holiday traditions of my childhood was the Advent calendar.
Each year, my mother would pick one out for my sisters and me to help us count down the days until to Christmas.
I can still feel the glitter on the cardboard and see the brightly decorated scene with the closed flaps, one for each day. And I can remember how hard it was to resist opening them all at once, which was a real no-no. Who would dare risk Mother's - or Santa's - wrath?
I continued the tradition with my daughters, and the search to find just the right calendar brought early joy to my Christmas seasons. One year, a miniature nativity scene was formed as the girls opened the doors to find plastic sheep, camels, Wise Men and, of course, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
I haven't gone Advent calendar hunting in a while, but I thought I would continue the tradition this year with a listing of holiday music.
Unlike my 2008 list - which was more old school - this group is more eclectic. And it features a number songs and artists that I have discovered during recent years' Christmas music searches. It includes songs that make me happy, inspire me or add a little hop to my step.
I love Christmas music, and I know you do, too. I hope this list will add a bit of holiday cheer.
So here is my 2009 Musical Christmas Advent Calendar. It is designed so that you can "open" one song each day, starting today, the first day of Advent, with the last track set for Christmas morning.
Or you can open them all at once and build a holiday playlist to carry around on your iPod of MP3 player. Go ahead and do that if you want to: Mother isn't watching.
Nov. 29: "Sleigh Ride," Boney James - Grammy Award-winning saxophonist James turns it loose on this track from his 1996 album "Boney's Funky Christmas." I bought this album on a lark last year, and this track kept my 2008 Christmas in full, funky swing. It will get your 2009 holiday season off to a bouncing start, too.
Nov. 30: "Do You Hear What I Hear/Drummer Boy," Vanessa Williams - This is another song that I couldn't get enough of in 2008. A friend of my wife's introduced me to this track on a gift CD at her Christmas party. I love the beat and Williams' voice. This is from "20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection, The Best of Vanessa Williams (1996)."
Dec. 1: "O Come, Come Emanuel," Sixpence None the Richer - With a name inspired from the C.S. Lewis novel "Mere Christianity," this Christian band offers a sweet, uncluttered approach to Christmas music on its 2008 album, "Dawn of Grace." Lead singer Leigh Nash has the perfect voice for this song
Dec. 2: "My Favorite Things," Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Alpert's trumpet was a staple of my childhood; it was always on the stereo. The group's 1996 "Christmas Album" was ruined by overproduction that pushed the star - Alpert's sterling trumpet - to the background. Still, this song will stick with you.
Dec. 3: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," Jethro Tull - Has anyone every played the flute like Ian Anderson of this 1960s rock group? He gives every tune its all, including this jazzy instrumental adaptation of my favorite Christmas carol. You'll enjoy the piano and guitar work as well on this track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album."
Dec. 4: "How Many Kings?" downhere - Another Christian rock group, downhere's lyrics on this song really hit home - the idea that God sent his son to join man at the first Christmas. This track is from their 2009 album "How Many Kings: Song for Christmas." This one will stay with you all day.
Dec. 5: "First Noel," Chris Botti - In his 2002 album "December," Botti turns his trumpet loose on a contemplative set of holiday songs, running toward the quiet side of the holiday. Some critics have called Botti's sound "chill," meaning smooth jazz with a touch of cool jazz. Enjoy this artist's approach to a wonderful traditional carol.
Dec. 6: "We Three Kings/Carol of the Bells," Kenny G - I know it is hip to make fun of Kenny G's work, but I love the sound of his soprano sax. This cut is from his 2008 album, "The Greatest Holiday Classics," which takes the best of his three previous albums: "Miracles" (1993), "Faith" (1999) and "Wishes" (2002). Yeah, I'm a sucker, but this is just great for the holidays.
Dec. 7: "Nutcracker Suite, Overture," Moscow Philharmonic - It is not Christmas without the "Nutcracker," preferably the ballet with a live orchestra. This 2007 recording is the most complete that I can find of the suite; I commend it to you.
Dec. 8: "Christmas Must Be Tonight," the Band - In order to fulfill its contract with Capitol Records, the Band recorded "Islands" in 1977, after its touring days were over. I'm letting my age show with this choice, but this group still speaks to me.
Dec. 9: "Who Comes This Night," James Taylor - Another old timer, this cut from Taylor's "At Christmas" (2006) is another nice addition to our advent calendar. Taylor's well-known voice and earnest sound make this song - and album - a winner.
Dec. 10: "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Chicago - Take this 1945 Christmas song and mix in Chicago's brassy sound and arrangements and you've got something going. This is from "Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa (2003)." I stumbled across it just this holiday season, and it has risen near the top of my favorite holiday albums.
Dec. 11: "Must Be Santa," Bob Dylan - Dylan, the great cynic, doing Christmas songs? Yep. For the first time ever, the man with the gravelly voice has released a holiday set that will challenge your ears - at least on the first listen or two. But "Christmas in the Heart" grows on you. Besides, it's for a good cause: All the royalties go to Feeding America.
Dec. 12: "Sing!" Josh Wilson - Perhaps not strictly a Christmas song, "Sing" by the Christian singer-songwriter Wilson captures the underlying spirit of the holidays. The lyrics are powerful and the instrumental backing will knock you over.
Dec. 13: "Joy to the World," Brian Culbertson - Ah, some more smooth jazz funk, this time by pianist Culbertson from his 2006 album, "A Soulful Christmas." He sets a gospel tone with the backing of a choir, but you'd never mistake this for a church song.
Dec. 14: "Winter Wonderland," Roy Hargrove and Shirley Horn - This musical Advent calendar takes a turn toward harder jazz with this piece by Grammy-winning trumpeter Hargrove and singer/pianist Horn. Her voice is lush and blends with Hargove's groovy horn. A great combo.
Dec. 15: "I Believe in Father Christmas," Sarah Brightman - This piece by the internationally known soprano speaks about the joy and excitement of the season. Yes, this piece from "A Winter Symphony" (2008) is a bit overblown, but what about this holiday isn't?
Dec. 16: "Jingle Bell Rock," Jo-El Sonnier - Is there any happier music than that which comes from south Louisiana? Fiddles, accordions, singers with French accents. In this cut from the 2002 album "Cajun Christmas," Sonnier cuts loose with the joie de vivre (joy of living) that marks life in a special part of the world. Ai-eee!
Dec. 17: "Here Comes Santa Claus," Ramsey Lewis Trio - Jazz pianist Lewis and his boys keep the happy feelings going in this cut from "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000). Lewis was known as the "great performer," and he shows why in a rendition of this 1947 tune that was co-written by Gene Autry.
Dec. 18: "Christmas Time Is Here," Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas is not the same without a viewing of "Charlie Brown's Christmas." Here, pianist Guaraldi leads his trio in one of the highlights from the 1965 TV special. It's a chance to slow down before the final week of the holidays begins.
Dec. 19: "A Christmas Song," Jethro Tull - Sixties' rocker Anderson and Jethro Tull are back for a message song. A bit preachy perhaps, but it is good to remember what this hullabaloo is all about. Another track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album," Tull is the only performer to make this list twice.
Dec. 20: "All My Bells Are Ringing," Lenka - A little bit of sugary pop from this Australian songwriter and performer. Yes, the last few days of the season are supposed to be fun; this will help. This song comes from the 2008 compilation "The Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs."
Dec. 21: "Come On, Ring Those Bells," Kristin Chenowith - Another bouncy number to keep you smiling. Taken from "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas" (2008), this song lets the soprano, who is known in Broadway circles for "Wicked" but who also has appeared on TV and in the movies, to have some fun. Join in on the chorus.
Dec. 22: "The Christmas Song," Dave Koz - Settle in with the smooth jazz saxophonist and his friends on this calm rendition of the song made famous by Nat King Cole. Included are pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Rick Braun and singer Brenda Russell. From "A Smooth Jazz Christmas" (2001).
Dec. 23: "The Christmas Waltz," Beegie Adair - Jazz pianist Adair eases us into the final days of Christmas with a fine performance of this standard from "Jazz Piano Christmas" (1999). The Nashville session veteran lays down this tune with precision and care. Well done.
Christmas Eve: "Zat You, Santa Claus?" Louis Armstrong - Well, it is Christmas Eve, and the kids will be asking that question before long. Armstrong provides a dose of New Orleans jazz as the hours tick down. From "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000).
Christmas: "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Jackson 5 - Fitting, in the year of his death, that the young Michael Jackson wraps up the 2009 musical Advent calendar. A fun song for Christmas morning. What a great voice the young man had! From "A Motown Christmas" (1999). Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year's.
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