Holiday Memories of Music

by Liz Arrington

It’s that time of year again! All the spookiness and fun of Halloween has passed, and we are settling into the final months of the year. It’s that time of year when we are inclined to reflect on meaningful connections and relationships with our loved ones and our community. Nostalgia for days gone by, measured by a hopefulness for better days ahead. This especially rings true right now, with so many of us still reeling from the chaos and confusion of the past few years. So many of us have experienced indescribable loss and disenchantment, unexpected joys and major obstacles. Some have overcome, some are still lingering in the darkness, and most of us are experiencing a combination of both. During periods such as this, it seems appropriate to fall back into the comfort and familiarity of the simple joys of the season. For my family and I- that includes a lot of time cuddled up on the couch together, mugs full of hot chocolate and giant bowls of popcorn. Watching our favorite holiday movies and soaking in familiar sounds of the season. Timeless holiday movies are an integral part of how we celebrate and observe the holiday season. Conflict and drama surrounds familiar characters as they navigate ghosts of past, present and future, or try to “save” Christmas in some way. All the while learning important lessons about community and family, peace and love. Whether the story takes place in the past or modern times, common themes unfold to leave our protagonists brimming with the true spirit of Christmas by the end of the movie, surrounded by loved ones. And, more often than not, they are all SINGING! This is the part of the movies that I have always loved the most. Bonus points if this final song involves our characters gathered around a piano singing together in harmony. There is just something so powerful and connecting about a group of people singing together, something that brings us all together across time and space. I am so thrilled to be returning to a world where music can be experienced together again. A parenting rite of passage includes squeezing into

folding chairs in a school cafeteria to watch our little ones belt out songs about Rudolf and Frosty. We are able to enjoy musical performances in our community; at churches, universities, and community centers. Many are fortunate enough to go see professionals perform timeless classics such as the Nutcracker or Handel's Messiah. The music of Christmas, more than any other season or holiday, creates such a strong sense of nostalgia. Bringing forth memories of Christmases of our childhood, various different seasons throughout our lives, reminding us of our loved ones, and allowing us to pass along this experience to new generations. Sharing music with our children provides them with the foundation for their own Christmas memories and traditions. Music heals us, reconnects us, and allows us to express thoughts and feelings where words can fail. My call to you this holiday season is to seek meaningful ways to include music in your holidays. Go beyond listening to music, or watching other people perform music for you. Create your own family musical moments by singing together at home or in the car. Explore music from your own family history or heritage. Gather your kids or grandkids for caroling with family and friends. Host a sing-a-long movie night featuring your favorite Christmas movie musical. Share the joy of Christmas with others through the gift of music and carry on the long tradition of connecting with the spirit of the season through song.

Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com