Musical Christmas Wishes, From Me to You

OMG it’s Christmas Eve! It just snuck up on me out of nowhere. I still have presents to pick up, stockings to stuff, and a list of items that were supposed to be on my holiday gift guide (but I ran out of time to write it!).

Before we all take a break for the big day, I want to wish everyone around the world Happy Holidays, regardless of what you celebrate. If you’re celebrating Christmas tomorrow like I am, a merry, merry Christmas to you! Here are five holiday songs that capture the spirit of the season, and five wishes from me to you!

Harry Belafonte’s Mary Boy Child — in the hopes that you celebrate the reason for the season, and this holiday is about more than just gifts.

Stevie Wonder’s Someday at Christmas. On Tuesday morning in the airport on my way from San Francisco to Chicago, I saw the saddest thing ever. A soldier, in uniform, holding his baby boy. He was kissing his child’s face over and over again, in the apparent attempt to sear that memory into the baby’s mind. In the early morning haze, it occurred to me — this is what deployment is. The sight of this young family being torn apart made me wonder — will there ever be a Christmas without war? I pray there is one, in my lifetime.

Alegria, Alegria by Daisy Voisin. This is the Christmas music of my country, parang. I’m far away from home, and yearning for my holiday traditions. Here’s hoping you’re celebrating your own cultural traditions wherever you are!

Winter Wonderland, Louis Armstrong. I’m far away from the heat and festivity of Trinidad Christmas, but here in Chicago I’m getting a taste of what it’s like to be in a real winter wonderland. The lights and the snow are so magical! I’m very happy to be with my loved ones, all cozy at home, watching the snowflakes drift by the window. Hope you are warm, safe, and cozy wherever you are.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, by Jack Johnson. I’m a big Jack Johnson fan — his music is so breezy and laidback. And Rudolph has always been my favorite. Besides being whimsical, it’s the inspiring story of an underdog that rises to a position of leadership. Rudolph rules!

What are your musical Christmas wishes? Share with me!

And with those merry tunes, I’m off to a Christmas of last minute shopping, playing board games by the fireplace with my in-laws, and lots of gift giving. Love and laughter to you, bellas!