Four years ago I spent some time in the hospital with an unknown respiratory virus. For the rest of that year and to some extent to this day my voice has been weaker than it was prior to that illness. But during the rest of that year, my voice was particularly frail. And as the holidays approached, I turned the effects of that sad voice into a Christmas record. I recorded 10 holiday songs, many that are usually festive and bright, and gave them a more somber tone.
Each year as I approach the holidays, I still have a sense of the somberness of both the record and of my attitude towards the season. I do experience much joy and anticipation, and yet I also know that for me and for so many people, festiviness during the holidays just doesn’t feel right.
There is no correct way to approach the holiday season. And there is no correct emotion to have about it, either. It’s ok to set with the emotions you have. It’s also ok for those emotions to change, as they inevitably do.
So whatever you’re feeling this holiday season, you are not alone. Others are either feeling similar feelings or have felt them.
Knowing that is one of the reasons I recorded Somber Christmas. It’s streaming in all the places.
