How do you get into the holiday spirit?
I recently found myself digging through a drawer on the hunt for a specific CD. It’s not just tradition, but a necessity for me to listen to Mel Torme’s Christmas album while putting up the Christmas tree.
Each year I feel compelled to find that CD. Yes, I can stream the album, but there is something about the ritual of finding the CD, putting it in the player, and letting my head and heart return to being a kid excited about decorating for the holidays.
To be fair, it’s a morphed holiday tradition. When I was a kid, it was all about putting a festive album on the record player. At some point, it became all about Mel’s holiday CD with the Boston pops.
After the last note has played, the second album choice is a toss-up between Diana Krall’s or Jane Monheit’s Christmas albums. In my family, when the night is done and the decorations are up, Oscar Peterson’s Christmas album is a must.
Once I finally found Mel’s album in the drawer, I realized that a major part of the joy of the holidays is found in the music that has become the soundtrack of my memories. There’s something special about bringing out, and playing that treasured music. I’ve always loved the music of Handel’s Messiah, and the SSO’s annual performance holds a special place in my heart. At a time of the year that is way too busy, holiday music does something to my soul. These soundtracks slow me down. They make me smile.
We are so grateful for your belief in the work the SSO does. Everything we do, from our concerts, to the many ways we are engaging students, to our performances in seniors’ homes and long-term care facilities, all come down to enriching the community through music.
There are many great organizations to support this holiday season, so it is always so heart-warming when you choose to make a gift to your SSO ahead of the end of the year.
You help us celebrate the joy music brings to our lives, not only during the holidays, but in everyday moments.
I hope you’ll join me in making a donation to the SSO ahead of the end of 2025. I know how good it feels to make a donation to an organization that you believe in.
If you’ve already made a donation – thank you. You have no idea how grateful we are for your support!
Every dollar you give to the SSO is matched thanks to the generosity of Ellen Remai, through the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation. Your gifts have double the impact, and we use your gifts to invest in your orchestra, your community, and the future of music.
I hope your December is full of the things that make life worth living and is filled with music that makes you smile.
Happy holidays – see you at the symphony
