CANADIAN CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Is borrowed from many different sources. Many of the early British settlers brought the songs of the Protestant church to North America.
I love Christmas Carols. My favourite is Oh Come All Ye Faithful- Joyful and truimphant....
When I studied Latin in High School, even learnt that version- Adeste fidetes, laete triumphantes.
The story of Christmas is played out in song. Angels We Have Heard on High tells of the angels. The First Noel brings us the Shepherds and the Wise Men going to Bethlehem to see the Baby Jesus. Some songs just bring out the Joy- like Joy to the World. For me, hearing a choir with wonderful voices is such an important part of the season.
Now holiday concerts at schools and day cares must be neutral so Jingle Bells and Santa songs are okay. Rarely do the little children sing Christmas Carols. I do remember my children when in the younger grades could sing carols- Away in a Manager was popular song for them. In Kindergarten, my little Sonya belted out this song drowning out all the other children in the class!!
From the Middle Ages in England, Good King Wenceslas is a strong song telling of the generosity of the rich to the poor. Almost letting us know how the tradition of reaching out to others at this time of the year started.
Thinking of Canadian songs- there was a popular one- Granma got run over by a Reindeer- rather sick humourous if you like it. There are some French, Aboringinal and Inuit songs to sing. Some are adaptions from other songs. Like Twas on the Eve of Winter time when all the birds had fled, is a wonderful example of making it Canadian and suiting one of the original cultures here in Canada.
Christmas through song is a way of connecting with the traditions and cultures from around the world. Showing there is a Christian spirit that has prevailed worldwide. Reaching out to others in every community to celebrate the joy of the season. Inviting non-Christians to participate, like the Secret Santas at work that include everyone. So let's sing! I think I will put on some of my CDs and sing along.
What are your favourite songs? Do you enjoy the music of the season? Do you prefer the traditional songs or the new songs that are non-religious?

THE CHALLENGE OF WRITING A BLOG

This is blog 501. It has been an adventure to find ideas and themes to keep writing. The advice of other bloggers is to write every day. It is such good advice as it creates a discipline of blogging. Wednesday is easy- now it is my Nana says theme. Sunday too- with a Postcard From! The other 5 days bring many challenges and sometimes a photo I took weeks ago with a blog idea in mind which can finally be used. Since I can follow how many pageviews occur on each blog and who in the world is reading me, I am constantly amazed at the the blogs with the most "reads". People in the world are interested in the down to earth Canadian themes I have written. Yes, not regularly but I have had readers from every continent. There are regular readers not only from Canada and the United States but Germany and Russia. So to those readers thank you for visiting. Writing advice from years ago states to write about what you know. Trying to be an expert on everything, well it does not work. Some of my clinical blogs have responses on my private email. Some people have complained they can not comment so email me your comments or find me on facebook and comment there. I will add your comments to the blogs. As most of you know, I love Narrative Therapy which using your story to help to reflect and honour your strengths. Thus I want to hear and know and think about your reactions and real thoughts to any blog. Do they conjure up ideas and thinking?
As a clinical Social Worker, I always want to reach others who may be struggling with a problem and need some guidance to find the right person or resouces to help. Even the right book! Like my favourite- A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis on his journey with his grief after his beloved wife died.
I love blogging as it helps me to consolidate many areas and interests in my life. I hope you have enjoyed reading and sharing with me. Are there any favourite blogs you have enjoyed? Tell me. Are there themes you would like me to consider for you and your group? What do you want to know about Canada and this Canadian? Are there parenting or family issues you are seeking guidance? Crafts, gardening, photography can be used to work with problem areas in your life-they work for me! So please keep on reading and helping me to challenge myself to write!