My Friends Are Back

As I turned on my car radio on the way to work, I was reminded that it is Thanksgiving Day that officially launches the Christmas season. Virtually the only music I heard on my way to work was Christmas carols of every variety.

I’m not one of those Jews who goes "Bah humbug" when it comes to Christmas. I love the music that I grew up with. How could I not? I know the harmonies and the descants to all the old standbys. I know many of the obscure carols because when I sang with the National Presbyterian Choir for those many years, my director unearthed new gems every year for our candlelight Christmas program.

Christmas would actually be a pleasant holiday if we could just do away with the commercialism that results in people lining up for days to get the latest Nintendo release and tempers flaring in crowded shopping center parking lots. It really brings out the worst in some people.

I haven’t even checked out when Hanukkah occurs, but we seldom do much more than light 8 days of candles.

Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy the sing-along in between the messages for turkey dinners and last-minute shopping ideas. ‘Tis the season...