Christmas is a Comin'

I don't know if you've realized this yet, but there are three weekends left before Christmas. That includes today and, for us, one during which we will be on our way to visit family. That leaves one full one between now and then to finish Christmas projects and shopping. Aaugh!!!

To put us all in the holiday mood, though, we are getting our first snow of the year. I knew it was in the forecast, so when I woke this morning, I looked excitedly out the window. But I didn't see anything. So when I had made it up, I checked weather.com to see about what time they were expecting it to come, and it said it was currently snowing! So, I jumped up to look again, and sure enough, if I focus very closely on a dark object, I see a white speck from time to time. Doesn't look like it's going to be piling up any time soon.

But that's ok, because for Christmas cheer, we also have two new Christmas cds, both of which we are very much enjoying.

One is Mary Chapin Carpenter's Come Darkness, Come Light.


It is about half traditional but less known songs and half her own songs, but the two blend surprisingly well. Her deep, husky voice paired with clear and straightforward accompaniment makes for very enjoyable listening.

The other cd, though, has admittedly gotten more play time; I think I can say Loreena McKennitt's A Midwinter Night's Dream is our favorite of the two.



Between her choice of songs and her celtish style, this cd brings to mind scenes of Seventeenth Century Great Britain. (Songs include The Holly and the Ivy, Good King Wenceslas, Coventry Carol, and Gloucestershire Wassail.) Most of the songs are traditional Christmas songs, but where staleness might enter, she rearranges the tune. The chilly edge of her music and mysteriousness of her voice definitely make one feel like wrapping up before a crackling fire ... or gazing out onto falling snow. Good thing we've got some coming down now!