Was it last year that Richard Dawkins “publicly admitted” that he liked singing Christmas carols? I think so. The story came to mind while I was listening to carols over the weekend. Like Dawkins, I actually enjoy many of the religious Christmas carols. And, like Dawkins, I can’t bear the garish Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer secular alternatives.
This morning, as I wrap gifts and peruse recipes (in my new comfy, carrotmob-inspired, Old Navy jeans – bwa-ha… ho-ho-ho), I’ve decided that humanists need better Christmas music.
I’m not sure if this song is destined to become a classic, but it’s a start. :)
What do you think?
Amazon download for White Wine in the Sun (89¢)
HT: Dale’s post about Tim Minchin at Parenting Beyond Belief.
Sea World was playing nothing but Christmas music when were there on Thur and Friday. I’m already over my Christmas music limit for the season.
Ug. Sounds like a glass or two of white wine in the sun is in order. :)
As I’m already over my Sea World (San Diego) limit for a lifetime (thanks to extended family members who work there as trainers/performers), I can’t imagine being there for two full days straight – and with Christmas music playing the entire time to boot.
Oh! I heart all the xmas music – even the cheezy songs. I do think, though, that my joy stems from the fact that my 5 year old daughter doesn’t understand all the words or understands the gist of the song bur forgets specific words and loves to sing, thus making some interesting lyrics. For instance, Santa asks Rudolph, “Won’t you glide my sleigh tonight?” and then all the reindeer “shoved him” as they shouted “out with thee!” I never, ever correct her and even encourage others to sing her lyrics.
I prefer any xmas music from the 50′s. Sinatra, Elvis, Bing…I love that stuff. One of my favorite ornaments is a jukebox with Elvis on it that plays “Blue Christmas”. Brian Setzer (of Stray Cats fame) has some great secular big-band style xmas music too.
A phrase I hear my dd say a lot is “That’s nice…too bad it’s got god junk in it.”
Meanie:
LOL – Well, if you’re gonna go changing the lyrics on me, I may have to go back to hearting the cheesy ones, too! :D
Michelle:
You’ve reminded me that we have some of that music tucked away in a box. Maybe I’ll put it out this year for a little variety.
You’ve also reminded me of a town in the California desert where my mom used to live. To visit her, I’d take Bob Hope Dr., continue through the intersection at Dinah Shore, then turn left at Frank Sinatra… Even the music on the radio seemed to be all oldies, all the time. It was the next best thing to time travel. :)
You can’t go wrong with the Twisted Sister Christmas Album.
The video for Oh Come All Ye Faithful is quite entertaining.
There are a few Christmas albums I never get tired of. The Beach Boys Christmas Album, The soundtrack to Charlie Brown Christmas, to name a couple.
Chris:
LOL at TS singing OCAYF – Well, it’s nice to see some-body keeping the “Christ” in Christmas :D
I’m going to check out the Beach Boys and Charlie Brown, too. Thanks for the tips. :)
We ordered bagpiping Christmas music on CD last night (how brave are you??)
:D
I’m expecting “Jingle Bells Reggae” to be worth the price all by itself (jingle bells and steel drums on Scottish bagpipes? NOW how much would you pay — but wait, there’s more!)
JJ: “how brave are you??”
Well, I’m tempted. After all, there’s nothing more “Piping Hot” than four middle-aged men in kilts, that for sure! LOL
Plus, I don’t think I’ve ever heard the tune, “Ding Dong Merrily on High.” If it’s as catchy as “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead,” then count me in for a copy! :D
I can stand Jingle Bells and Rudolph, but the two that get me are O Christmas Tree and Good King Winceles (however you spell it).
My FAVORITE carols are Silent Night and I Wonder as I Wander.
I start playing xmas carols on Thanksgiving weekend and go constantly until Christmas day – drives my family nuts.
We have a good 2 dozen xmas CDs. Everything from the Mormom Tabernacle Choir to Dr. Demento’s.
re: “Good King Winceles”
My daughter was assigned this song by her music teacher who calls it, “Good King Whats-his-face.”
re: “I Wonder as I Wander”
I heard this one for the first time only recently, sung by Jewel and her mom.
I even like their version of “Rudolph” :O
[...] From Greta, with a my own nod toward Lynn’s discussion of Christmas music and atheists. [...]
I’m typing this during a visual migraine, so let’s hope it doesn’t devolve into Urdu or Klingon but I can’t wait to tell you how happy I am that you wrote this post. I think Tim Minchin is going to be my favorite Solstice present and Twisted Sister’s video just became my official Xmas email.
Ant, I need to read your blog again. So, see, you took care of my New Year’s resolution too.
Shine On,
Lill
Hi Lill! :D
It’s so great to hear from you! I have been trying to not worry about you, but I’m such a mother hen. I can’t help myself. :S
FWIW, my husband just attended a medical conference where some of the latest findings on migraines was presented. I get migraines, too, so he shared some info that was new to me:
It was stressed that treating migraines early, at first symptoms, is very important.
Preventative:
Magnesium, 400 mg., twice daily.
Staying on routines is very important.
Too much sleep (like too little) can be a trigger.
(Other triggers: high altitude, stress, foods…)
Also, if you’re not against taking prescription meds, one aural migraine treatment (Imitrex, I think) that used to be injectable is now in pill form and generic. The only drug that I have taken (and am still using) is propranolol, which has lessened the severity and frequency of mine… and, aside from the hallucinations and voices in my head, I haven’t experienced many side effects, at all. <:D
Don't you love it when people give you unsolicited medical advice?? :) It's not really advice though, just blather meant to take or leave.
Thanks for stopping by – and feel better soon. :)