Salvation Army Bells Are Ringing

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. The all-Christmas radio stations are on across the land. The season is on in full force—even your local Grinches can’t deny that. Trim the tree, wrap the presents, and turn the Christmas music on. I’ll be home with bells on.

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
If you check this blog regularly, you’re already used to two things: Gayla Peevey and Darlene Love. I adore this song—one of my top five of all time—and since it’s the “official” start to the holiday season, you’re getting it again. And in the coming weeks, you’ll get a few more versions. And probably Darlene at least once more.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – The London Philharmonic Orchestra
Something about Christmas orchestra music makes me think of walking a street decorated with lights and filled with shoppers. That’s probably something that’s never really happened, but I like fake nostalgia.

Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
It’s true—Christmas comes this time each year.

All Alone on Christmas – Darlene Love
If I could only listen to this on my Talkboy just like in Home Alone 2. Darlene Love plus Christmas equal sheer bliss.

Here Comes Christmas – Bill Kelly
Since it’s the kick-off to holiday shopping, how about a little song that critiques commercialism? As Kelly says, it gets more commercial every year but it’s still my favorite holiday.

Darlin’ (Christmas Is Coming) – Over the Rhine
A beautiful little song.

Merry Christmas Darling – The Carpenters
What a tragedy. Karen Carpenter had an amazing voice and this is one of my favorite Christmas songs.

I’ll Be Home with Bells On – Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
My dad loved this song and today would have been his 51st birthday. I’ll end today's post with one for him.