Holiday Spirit, Wherefore Art Thou?

I am having a really tough time getting in the holiday spirit this year. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because it's been a really strange year. Maybe I'm experiencing a bit of life-lag (the equivalent of jet-lag, but caused by all of my recent travels and tourism). Maybe it's because I've heard almost ZERO Christmas music this year.

There are several songs that help get me in the Christmas mindset.

First one is by my hero, Bruce Springsteen. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" puts a giant huge smile on my face every time. Not just because it's Bruce, but it's the part when Clarence starts "ho ho ho"-ing and Bruce busts out laughing and can barely go on.

Second one is a strange one. "Please Come Home for Christmas" by the Eagles. I'm not a big Eagles fan. I've also never actually wanted anyone to come home for Christmas. There's just something about the song. I don't understand, I just wait and listen.

The third one is the absolute classic "Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses. I can't believe that song came out in 1981...twenty six years ago. Gulp. And ironically (or not), the lyrics have the same sentiment that I'm feeling this year:
"But all this year's been a busy blur
Don't think I have the energy"

The last song is not quite a Christmas song as it is a New Year's Eve song. My year is never complete until I hear "Another Auld Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelberg. I usually don't hear this song until after Christmas. However, I heard it today. Why? Because the writer and singer of that song, Dan Fogelberg, died yesterday at the age of 56. Fucking cancer fucking sucks. You can visit my friend Bean's blog to read his own tribute to Dan Fogelberg, and hear the song.

Tonight, let's all drink a toast to innocence.

And may that drink put someone in the holiday spirit.