With the exception of Christmas season I’m generally a 70’s rock-n-roll listener. I also like some singer songwriter, folk and soul music mixed into my routine when I want to change life’s tempo.

The interesting thing is Christmas season is the only time of the year when I prefer to listen to classical music. The more religious and spiritual the music, the more I enjoy it.

Christmas season is when I think most about the blessings in my life. This is also the season when I have an elevated sense of awareness for the people and things that give me joy. 

The downside of Christmas for me is the day I help decorate. Installing lights on the house or putting up the Christmas tree can frustrate me. Is it too much to ask for a Christmas light manufacturer to make strings of lights that are reliable and easy to maintain?

Two years ago, I was hanging lights and having my usual frustrations when I decided to grab my earphones and play some classical Christmas music. Almost instantly my mood changed. I became less impatient and less frustrated.

As soon as the violin of Lindsey Stirling playing Angels We Have Heard On High played, I began to relax. No problem I faced hanging lights seemed overwhelming as I listened to Lexi Walker and The Piano Boys play O Holy Night and I had no reason to cuss while listening to Andrea Bocelli and Katherine McPhee sing The Prayer.      

The effect of this music on my mood that day was so impactful I started seeking out more classical Christmas music to listen to. I had found the music formula that made hanging Christmas lights a manageable experience! I now include my music playlist among many of the blessings I count at Christmas time.

May you have a Merry Christmas and be reminded of your blessings large and small.