ALL — Here’s to the hope that beyond a dark & twisted “Christmas” post from dear leader we’re all able to take a break from the crazy and enjoy some holiday days and nights with friends and family. Beyond politics I also write about the arts to take the edge off. I hope folks like this. Take a read:
That is certainly my hope for us all. Thank you for sharing your piece on 'It's a Wonderful Life' - I haven't seen it in ages, not because I don't like it but because it is such as an emotional experience - almost too much to take. Far darker than some may think which only makes the ending that much more powerful.
Great article, thanks for posting. Having done time (25 years) as a supermarket baker I generally hate all commercial Christmas releases. Except one:
It’s entitled “I believe in Father Christmas” and it was recorded and released by Greg Emerson (of ELP) back in the mid 70’s. It strikes all the emotional notes, yes there are even bells on the recording. But it’s the last line of the song, in which Emerson sings “Hallelujah Noel, be it heaven or hell, we all get the Christmas we deserve”, that line gives me the chills. It’s a solemn message wrapped up in a Christmas carol. What’s the message? It’s about the feeling you get when you’ve been lied to and how wonder and innocence give way to cynicism and disbelief. So, cheers eh!
Thanks for the comment. I like the song too - there's a quote from Prokofiev on it as well. Christmas has always felt to me an antidote to cynicism or, at the very least, a chance to hold it at bay for a while and hopefully, even a little longer than that.
What a great version of We Wish You the Merriest, and that Andy Williams tune always lifts my spirits, whereas Celebrate Me Home usually makes me tear up.
Thank you, Jordan, for the kind words - wishing you a Merry Christmas too! Thank you as well for sharing the piece - an important read for Christmas Eve.
Some great picks!
ALL — Here’s to the hope that beyond a dark & twisted “Christmas” post from dear leader we’re all able to take a break from the crazy and enjoy some holiday days and nights with friends and family. Beyond politics I also write about the arts to take the edge off. I hope folks like this. Take a read:
The happiest of holidays to you all!
https://mdavis19881.substack.com/p/the-enduring-messages-of-its-a-wonderful
That is certainly my hope for us all. Thank you for sharing your piece on 'It's a Wonderful Life' - I haven't seen it in ages, not because I don't like it but because it is such as an emotional experience - almost too much to take. Far darker than some may think which only makes the ending that much more powerful.
Thanks and totally agree!
Great article, thanks for posting. Having done time (25 years) as a supermarket baker I generally hate all commercial Christmas releases. Except one:
It’s entitled “I believe in Father Christmas” and it was recorded and released by Greg Emerson (of ELP) back in the mid 70’s. It strikes all the emotional notes, yes there are even bells on the recording. But it’s the last line of the song, in which Emerson sings “Hallelujah Noel, be it heaven or hell, we all get the Christmas we deserve”, that line gives me the chills. It’s a solemn message wrapped up in a Christmas carol. What’s the message? It’s about the feeling you get when you’ve been lied to and how wonder and innocence give way to cynicism and disbelief. So, cheers eh!
Thanks for the comment. I like the song too - there's a quote from Prokofiev on it as well. Christmas has always felt to me an antidote to cynicism or, at the very least, a chance to hold it at bay for a while and hopefully, even a little longer than that.
What a great version of We Wish You the Merriest, and that Andy Williams tune always lifts my spirits, whereas Celebrate Me Home usually makes me tear up.
Really enjoyed this, Robert!
Thank you, Ellen! Hope you have a Happy Christmas!
Wishing the same to you, Robert.
Thanks for all the writing this year, Robert. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
You're welcome, William! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family too!
I share your love of holiday music, Robert. Loved the Tex Beneke big band version of The Merriest!
If you don’t know it, check out The Christmas album by The Roches. It is superb. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoYf-tp4ngElVcRfUKNDuTfe0EqTEtISt&si=TlpGteGnr8hW_oTq
Maybe you will discover a new favorite!
Happy holidays!
All the best of the season to you too. I've heard bits and pieces of the Roches' Christmas album and loved all that I have heard.
Thanks for another great piece! Have a great Christmas and Health and Joy in 2026!
And I wish the same to you and your family!
Lovely, Robert. A few that are new to me and now ones to look for in the endless hunt. Happy holidays to you and yours!
Thanks, Emm! Wishing you and your family the best of the season too!
Thank you, Jordan, for the kind words - wishing you a Merry Christmas too! Thank you as well for sharing the piece - an important read for Christmas Eve.