I’m sure that many people and kids have a tendency to view Christmas as a time to get goodies. To consume, consume, consume. There’s no doubt that whilst growing up and still under the roof of my parents I probably wanted every toy known to man to be under the tree or spread out in the living room. I went so far as to write about it in a song.
Of course in the process of growing, desires can change. That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be nice to get a toy or shiny gift. But I’m thinking this year, I’d like to have the gift of the talent someone can create. Thus I am going to ask for some art from my dad. I may ask for future house drawings from my sister. And I’ll likely ask for some decoration planning from my mom. Each is a creative person and I feel the need for that gift this year.
In the effort of giving a gift, I’m going to have to find out what it is I can give of myself to them.
I was asked a couple of nights ago to write a song with a co-writer about Christmas. The subject was kinda funny and kinda sad at the same time, but very appropriate. It’s much too late to get the song together for this year. But I’m sure it will get written and we’ll get it out next year.
Last night as I was hanging with a friend on a rather damp and chilly LA evening, I had a little bit of an epiphany. The sheer happiness of spending a little time with someone over a cup of hot chocolate and a chat. I always associated hot chocolate to cold winter nights with lots of snow blowing about and a fire in the fire place. Never really gave it much thought to the end of a rainy day in Los Angeles. But now that I have it was quite pleasant.
That was the intent behind the song Christmas to Unwind. I wouldn’t say that I was much for unwinding at Christmas when I wrote it. Though it must have very much been on my mind to start wanting to do exactly that. The song is geared towards those who have someone of a special nature in their life to sit and do the things sung about. As the scene in Love Actually goes: that’s not you? That’s not me Michael…
Regardless. We can all still find a moment to sit and unwind. Take a load off. Express the troubles or joys we have and take a moment to regain clarity in the thinking.
Enjoy. Spread the word.