Christmas time is here!

I knew this year was a bit different when I turned on my radio to The Kost 103.5 a week before Thanksgiving and found myself pseudo-conducting to this version of Carol of the Bells, indeed my favorite version:

Ring Christmas Bells - John Williams & Boston Pops

Don't get me wrong, everyone knows I love Christmas music. But this year has brought on that giddy joy that I haven't felt for years. Which has to be a gift from God, cause this year has been one of the most emotionally exhausting years of my life. So a little bit of refreshment in the form of sweet melodies was gladly welcomed. In fact, Thanksgiving came and went without much attention because I was already in the Christmas spirit. I did spend a delicious and delightful Thanksgiving with my in-laws. And Sam is an absolutely amazing chef! Just LOOK at this turkey:
We went to the zoo on Saturday and it was such a blast to see my niece and nephew. Audrey's almost 3 yrs old and Lukas is 7 months.

I haven't started shopping yet, but very much enjoying the delight of the Christmas spirit and wishing everyone a very merry Christmas season as well.
Also, I just learned today that Nat King Cole's version of The Christmas Song is the original version and was written by two writers in Toluca Lake on a very hot "winter" day. I'll post that, along with the lyrics below...



Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping at your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright,
Tiny tots with their eyes all a-glow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh,
And ev'ry mother's child is gonna spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although it's been said
Many times, Many ways
Merry Christmas to you.