What I love most about Christmas is the music.

*Disclaimer: if you don't want to read one of my more rambling posts please stop now! :) *

I have been thinking so much lately about the music that surrounds this Christmas time. I believe that it is very special music, that some melodies were saved to celebrate the birth of Christ. One woman I spoke with recently said that all you need to celebrate Christmas was "the music and loved ones. You don't need presents, and all of the other glitter and glam." On Sunday after choir practice some of us were talking of how great it feels to make such wonderful music, and one lady mentioned how the choir is actually for the participants. If the congregation gets something from the music, great, but it is really for us, the ones singing. I agree very much.

I enjoy making this music so much that I pull out the piano music around October (much to Dusty's dismay). I simply cannot prevent myself from playing them no matter how hard I try. There's a good chance that if you walk by my house in the evening, you'll be serenaded to a Christmas song. There is something so much more meaningful about creating the music yourself. Pulling it out of your heart. I know that may sound cheesy, but it really is. I do not know how other's feel who cannot play a musical instrument, or sing, but I thank my Heavenly Father each day that I can.

So many of my favorite memories fall in this time period.

Playing in the Messiah Community Orchestra. What better music on EARTH is there than that? If you don't know the story of Handel writing the Messiah, you must read it. (skip down to the part of Handel). I believe I got to play each year in High School. I still hear the cello part better than all of the others.

Dancing in the Nutcracker and getting to hear that gorgeous music for hours everyday. Everybody recognizes music from it, even if they don't know it. A little off the subject, but I must mention how funny it was that I was a senior girl dancing with a 7th grade boy who was a foot shorter. But he was a fabulous dancer for his age. And I was so impressed that he could do lifts with me!

A mini music group with my family playing to our hearts content. Sara on the piano, Lauren on the violin, me on the cello, and my mom singing. I hope that we have the chance to do it this holiday. (and I am looking forward to playing my sister Bronwyn's new cello from the school. I guess it pays to be first chair!)

When I was a Senior (in HS), I was a in a music group that six of us formed. We sang for Christmas parties and things. The vocal talents of these kids was amazing and it was so much fun to add my part with them. It was also fun to spend nights with others who loved the music as much as me and could be surrounded by Christmas lights and trees. Remember, Katie?

I suppose what I really am trying to say is that the music of this season means so much to me. I have been blessed with so many opportunities to learn the music and share it with others. I am thankful to be able to be part of it in my own small, simple way. I suppose it's no surprise that all of the experiences have left me with special feelings.

I really must also thank my parents for paying for years of piano, cello, voice, and ballet lessons. They have given me something no one else could.

P.S. if any of you want some beautiful music from a very generous woman, go here. It's free downloads of instrumental, SATB, and vocal solos. Enjoy!