Monday, December 11, 2023 - Christmas Traditions

One of the things I like to talk about at my Christmas shows is different traditions that families and groups have. My family growing up was pretty traditional other than a couple family recipes for cookies and other goodies. My grandma had two German cookies - lebkuchen and pfeffernusee. The first of those had dried fruit and icing, and the second was anise and molasses. My mom had some other cookies she always made as well. We would sometimes go to church as a family on Christmas Eve, but we didn’t have any other Christmas Eve tradition that I can remember other than trying to get to sleep while we listened for Santa. Then on Christmas morning we kids would get up very early to get our Christmas stockings by the fireplace and watch the blinking Christmas tree lights and listen to music until our folks woke up and brought out orange rolls and started the gift opening. Since I moved to Colorado I’ve enjoyed the local traditions and treats like potica, a wonderful pastry, and Christmas tamales. Jen and I usually have a quiet Christmas of opening gifts to each other and our pets and having family time. I always ask the audience at my shows for family traditions they each enjoyed. I love hearing the answers and stories. How about you? Do you have any traditions to share?

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What have I been up to?

I had 10 senior facilities last week although one was cancelled due to a scheduling mixup. I am doing a lot of Christmas songs now as we zoom towards the day.

My Wednesday online show was doing fun songs from the ‘50s, and it was a blast! I wanted to have a party, and that’s what it felt like. I love doing these tunes so much - reminding me of the fun I had in the ‘50s band I played in for many years.

My Sunday show was doing favorites and requests and it was so sweet as always. We ended up doing quite a few Christmas songs. These Sunday nights are just very special with good tunes and good friends.

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What am I up to this week?

I have 9 senior facilities this week, and a couple of them will be having their Christmas party with me entertaining. It should be great fun!

My Wednesday online show 7-8:45 mountain time will be Christmas songs with its of variety between old traditional and new songs. I love basking in the music of the season. Come on out if to can.

Friday night I’m playing for the Council of State Governments graduation at the Broadmoor, and I mention it because it’s such an honor to get to play for all of these state legislators.

Saturday night I’m playing a concert at 7:00 at the Bell Tower Cultural Center in Florence, Colorado. I have played several Christmas concerts at this wonderful venue, and I look forward to seeing the folks who always come out to this great place to enjoy some Christmas cheer. I’ll be doing quite a variety of music including a sing-along. There’ll be Christmas artwork to look at and goodies to enjoy as well. Tickets are $8 for member and $10 for non-members, and you can find more information at http://www.florenceartscouncil.com/concerts.html. I’d love to have you there!

Sunday night will be my online show 7-8:45 mountain time of favorites and requests as always. I love doing these shows, and people come from all over the country to enjoy each other’s company and listen to the music. Come on out!

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That’s it for this week. I hope you’re enjoying the holiday season, and I’d love to hear your traditions if you have time to reply.

Best always,

Tom

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Details this week:

Who:  Tom Munch 
What:  playing and singing an online concert of Christmas songs
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  
When:  Wednesday, December 13, 7-8:45 pm mountain time

Who: Tom Munch
What: playing a Christmas concert
Where: Bell Tower Cultural Center, 201 East Second Street, Florence. 719-784-2038
When: Saturday, December 16, 7-9 pm

Who:  Tom Munch 
What:  playing and singing an online concert of favorites and requests 
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/online-concerts  
When:  Sunday, December 17, 7-8:45 pm mountain time 

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