Worse Christmas Music EVER

Last night as we were driving back from watching yet another high school production of "It's A Wonderful Life" to watch Emily's friend Chris perform the role of diabolical Mr. Potter, we were of course listening to Christmas music.

Because, after all, it IS Christmas time.

Just as we reached the turnoff of our cute little town, "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" began playing over our car's sound system.

I can't stand "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

Ron and Emily KNOW I can't stand this song. So, Ron turned up the music a little louder and they both began blaring,

Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas Eve
You can say that there's no such thing as Santa
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

I think this song should be banned. At least from our family. Which made me think of other Christmas songs I CANNOT stand. In no particular order they are:

1. Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer. I LOVE my grandmas. I love my mother who is also a grandma. And someday, I will be a Grandma. What is it about a reindeer running over a grandma that people find so humorous? Don't they LOVE their grandmas?

2. Santa Baby. Even the opening notes of the deep male singers going Ba Doom Ba Doom is
enough to make my skin crawl. And then when the floozy female singer starts singing

Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree, for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

I can hardly stand it. Materialism at its worst.

3. The Christmas Shoes. The first time I heard this song, I admit, it brought tears to my eyes. Because I'm sentimental like that. The second time I heard this song I admit, it brought a lump to my throat. Because I'm sentimental like that. But the third time I heard this song I thought, "What?" Why isn't this little boy home with his dying mother on Christmas Eve? Why isn't he rubbing her feet with Bath and Body Works Black Raspberry Vanilla and showing her how much he loves her? Why is he out shopping for shoes?

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

4. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. I am sad to admit that my parents owned this song while I was growing up. Do you know HOW disturbing it is to think as a little girl that your mommy might actually kiss Santa Claus? I mean, YUCK! I am happy to report that not one CD I own has this song on it.

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep
Down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked up
in my bedroom fast asleep.

5. Finally, I don't really like The Twelve Days of Christmas. It goes on and on and on FOREVER! How many times do you need to hear about three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree? There is ONE time I actually liked the song. It was when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and King Singer's performed it and they had dancers acting out the parts. It was a visual and audio masterpiece.

There you have it. My five least favorite Christmas Songs.

My Name is Loralee...and I'm a Christmas Music Addict

When we moved 3 1/2 months ago, we knew it would be the PERFECT opportunity to streamline our home. We got rid of furniture, appliances, books, DVD's, videos, kitchen "stuff" clothes, linens, and oodles and oodles of things stored in the garage. It was amazing how much we accumulated and how much we got rid of. It felt good.

But, there was one thing that was "hands-off." That was our CD collection--especially my collection of Christmas music. Every year I purchase at least one or two or sometimes (shifts eyes furtively) three Christmas CD's. Because I LOVE Christmas music soooo much! You may remember http://mamoomsmoments.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-dilemma.html for the serious dilemma I had LAST year!

But, if I HAD to pare down my collection, what would I keep?

In no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite Christmas CD's.

1. Bing Crosby's Merry Christmas. This is the Christmas album I grew up with! There is something about Bing's soothing vocals paired up with the sparkling voices of the Andrew Sisters that puts me in the Christmas Spirit. "Mele Kalikimaka" is the bonus touch.

2. Johnny Mathis For Christmas. Who could not love Johnny's vocals? "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is my favorite on this album.

3. For something a little more contemporary, but still in the old crooner style I like Harry Connick, Jr.'s first Christmas album When My Heart Finds Christmas. I love the energy of this album!

4. I own several Mo Tab Christmas CD's. But one of my favorites is Spirit of the Season with Sissel. "Spirit of the Season" from the Polar Express movie makes me smile EVERY single time!

5. The other Mo Tab Christmas CD I really like is Ring Christmas Bells with Brian Stokes Mitchell. "The Friendly Beasts" is worth downloading if you don't want the entire CD.

6. Donny Osmond's Christmas at Home is one of my favorites. I know what you are thinking--Donny Osmond? His rendition of "Mary Did you Know" and "Come to the Manger" are beautiful!

7. Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song is another vintage CD--but c'mon--it's Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song!"

8. Josh Groban's Noel may be this generations version of Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, and Bing Crosby wrapped up in one. There is not one bad song on this CD. Not one.

9. Hilary Weeks' Christmas Once Again brings the spirit into my home. Her song "Is There Room" helps put Christmas into perspective for me.

10. Celtic Woman A Christmas Celebration is probably the most listened to Christmas CD in my rotation. "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is worth listening to over and over again!

Honorable Mention: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Their version of "Silent Night" accompanied at least two Joy School Christmas productions in my own family history.

So, do you have any CD's you would recommend that I add to my collection? I'm always looking for one or two or (shifts eyes furtively) three every year!

Waking up Happy

My dilemma

If you were a fly on the wall of our car as Ron and I were driving to the temple Friday night, you would have overheard this conversation.

Me: Ron, I have a dilemma.

Very long pause.

Ron: So, what is your dilemma?

Me: So, you know how much I like Christmas music?

Very long pause.

Ron: Yes, I know. So, what's the problem?

Me: Well, remember how I told you that I wanted to get TWO new Christmas CD's this year? I want to get David Archuleta's Christmas CD because I really like his voice. And you know how much I LOVE Hilary Weeks. Well, she has a new Christmas CD out, too. I really want that one also.

Very long pause.

Ron: Yes, I remember that. So, what's the problem?

Me: Well, now I want THREE Christmas CD's. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has a new one out and I heard selections of it on Amazon. It's very, very good! I don't know what to do!

Very long pause.

Ron: Why don't you buy me one of those Christmas CD's. for my birthday. That will solve your problem.

Is it any reason why I don't love my husband?