A note for the soul...

I have bopped my way though most of December singing along to Bing Crosby and Dean Martin. I've rocked around my Christmas tree and fa la lahhh'd while decking my halls but December 25th is a couple days away and I'm starting to feel like I've eaten too much candy.

And so, I've readjusted my playlist to loop in songs that help my soul to be still...I hope they will refresh yours as well.

1. Coventry Carol- Loreena McKennit

2. The Holly and the Ivy- Erin Bode

3. Still Still Still- Found Wandering

4. Wexford Carol - Celtic Women

5. In the Bleak Mid Winter- Sarah McLachlan

6. Away in a manger- Sufjan Stevens

7. Ding Dong Merrily on High- Crouch End Festival Choir and Prague Philharmonic

8 The First Noel- London Symphony

9. Silent Night- Sarah McLachlan

10 God rest ye merry Gentleman- Loreena McKennit

While there is a sprinkling of traditional hymns in this mix...I love the freshness of less common carols and less traditional versions...I love when the music sounds peaceful and even a little haunting.

Can you imagine what it must have been like at the time when Jesus was born?

"Strange" things were in the air...maybe even erie. Lights in the sky, a new star, angels....these are not normal everyday things...But starlight is peaceful. And Angels are heavenly. And people knew to be watching based on what what had been foretold. I love Christmas music that reflects the wonder, and awe and fear of things we do not understand...

Do you have any wonderful, peaceful songs to add? Please share...