The Braley Blog

“Pete’s Daily Connection”

Sometimes Just Hearing A Song Can Change Your Whole Outlook

I turned on some Christmas music the other day and the first song I heard was Johnny Mathis singing “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.” 

I immediately felt a sense of calm and a feeling of happiness. It’s weird how that happens, isn’t it? I wasn’t in a bad mood. It was just a Tuesday, my back hurt and I hadn’t slept especially well the night before. However as soon as that song began there was just a sense of … calm.

I’ve written before about the power of music. It is truly amazing!

I always associate that Johnny Mathis song with a snowy city street and shoppers walking along with their arms full of packages. The downtown is all decorated with wreaths and lights strung between the light posts. I don’t even know what town or city it is and I’m not even sure it’s a scene I actually saw but that’s the image I have. 

I remember shopping at the Star Store in downtown New Bedford and going to see the lights at Clasky Common Park. There was always a trip to Silverstein’s for your Christmas outfit. And maybe Poyant’s Shoes for some new church shoes.

In later years I would take my own children to pick out a Christmas tree at the Boy Scouts lot. We would also go caroling with the Children’s Choir. It would never fail: someone would suggest we sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and somewhere around the seventh verse I would promise myself to ban that song next year!

I’ve come to realize that we all have different favorites when it comes to Christmas music and I think it depends on what you grew up with. 

My children enjoy the Carpenters Christmas music not because they are necessarily fans of Karen and Richard Carpenter but because that’s what my wife and I played every year and still do.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy some of the newer Christmas releases but, for me, you can’t beat the classics. Give me some Bing Crosby “White Christmas” or Andy Williams or Burl Ives singing “Holly Jolly” and I’m good. 

I guess it’s all about the memories. We remember a time when life was simpler. Back-in-the-day we didn’t have as many responsibilities, stress or aches and pains. It seems we could do a lot more in a single day. Do you ever look back at how busy you were and wonder how you got it all done? I know I do.

I know how this can be a difficult time for some people. We remember those that have left us. Oh how we miss them! You can start to think, “Christmas will never be the same,” and you’re right. It will not be the same but it can still be meaningful. When you’re ready, maybe explore the ways that Christmas can still be special for you. You could try something you never had time for before or look for other ways you can make a difference.

Here’s my early Christmas wish for you: I hope the sense of calm and the warm feeling I felt when I heard that one song the other day falls upon you at least once this busy season.


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