Here’s a mixed tape in a post, as a gift during the start of this holiday season. I hope your season is happy and that, that happiness lasts for years to come- the practice.
Further Below is a list of holidayish and not so holidayish music that can be played around kids.
Something to think about:
One of the things I do with the boys is to learn about other ways to celebrate the holiday season. As part of their education, they learn about other faiths, like Judaism. We have a Christmas tree and a Menorah. It’s a small way of teaching togetherness. Because for me, the holiday season isn’t about celebrating a religion. It is about celebrating the human spirit. So, we go with the flow of some of the people around us and have a good time, together.
At the bottom of the post, is a tidbit on 3rd parties in our products. I wanted to add this because some family database services, DNA testing and tech stuff are commonly bought as gifts.
And as for gifts, remember that the simple things can be the most touching. My youngest son notices everything about me and, even at his tender age he has surprised me to tears. If you want to get someone something truly special, get her/him something that shows how much you pay attention to her or him. Sometimes, I think we all want to be understood or truly seen by someone…sometimes. We have our moments. The right gift might demonstrate something like, “I see the real you.”
Okay, so there are so many good songs but, my brain is overwhelmed by the soundtrack in it. Some of the songs aren’t typical holiday songs- just higher vibing stuff for our kids to have in their brains…
So, if you are new to celebrating the holidays with children and, you want to clean up the experience-A Selection of Music for you:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra-
In My Life- Paul McCartney/John Lennon.
There are so many songs I love from the men that made the Beatles. I almost feel like I was born in the wrong decade, almost…my decade is made of some awesome, strong people 😊. Okay, Okay, yes all of the decades have brilliant works of art and awesome strong people. I am so grateful to truly feel that again, in my life.
Isreal Kamakawiwo’olw- Over the Rainbow
Or if you prefer Louis Armstrong- What A Wonderful World
Bruce Springsteen- Santa Claus is comin’ to town
Because Bruce’s music started the love affair between music and my oldest cub (son, I mean).
Pentatonix- Hallelujah
This was written by Leonard Cohen and it is not a spiritual. I think some people don’t hear the lyrics and confuse it for something different. I appreciate these lyrics because I think so many of us learn how to love ourselves first, through the pain of loss or unrequited love. Love is truly not about seeing “the light.” It is so much more personal and deep. Anyway, I love this song no matter who sings it.
Mariah Carey- O Holy Night
I know I know, You hear this every year 2000 times. I can’t help it, I will always love this version. My love is deep.
John Lennon/Ono- Instant Karma!
Because you ARE a star and, I like how you shine!
Celine Dion- Happy Christmas War is Over
Lennon/Ono Give Peace a chance
It’s funny how the simple things can be the most complicated
Moby- We are all Made of Stars
Yes.You. Are.
Muse- Starlight
Because we CAN conspire to ignite souls. Such a beautiful song. No matter how far our ships sail from the harbor of our memories, love isn’t lost.
Alvin and The Chipmunks – Christmas Song
The boys knew about The Chipmunks before they heard the Christmas Song and, they giggled when they first heard this song. They still talk/sing to this song which is a win when the boys do that with a song. I couldn’t find a link from a channel that looked like the official channel so to avoid blurry copyright issues, I don’t have a link for the Christmas Song (although the Seventh Circuit did rule that embedding videos that have been previously uploaded illegally, was not copyright infringement. Did you know that?)
So, that 3rd Party tidbit
Some family databases, gadgets with no choice apps,and DNA tests may involve 3rd parties or, may simply hide behind the fine print. The face of the product (the big brand names everyone knows) may not be selling your data but, the third parties running the DNA tests or the software and information collecting databases most likely involve a third party. I want to add that some of the fine print is extremely specific as to how information is used or, it is very broad. That isn’t an accident or a coincidence. It is a very slippery slope to navigate and especially in regards to the law (and how law enforcement uses it- just a whisper here because, no one is being bullied or handing over your families’ info…right?) I have worked in a position that had to involve law enforcement and lawyers. Most are good people but, no field has 100% of it’s people behaving for the best interest of society. And, I think it is fair to say it. So, discern things and try to not generalize each other, in the process. Most people are good natured. It’s true. With regards to technology, sometimes I think our laptops and phones our doing more to gather information than to provide a service. Some people may say, “Erica, they have to gather some information to provide a helpful service.” That may be true but, there are boundaries to this and, what do most of us know about what our gadgets are doing?
I have had so. many. crazy experiences with my stuff! Stuff that has made multiple tech people say, “That shouldn’t be happening.” Stuff they saw themselves…That is why I write about it so much. Boundaries are already being crossed.
During the holiday rush, pause to take care of yourself. Listen to music and relax.
Much love, Erica Bogan