I'm contemplating Christmas this year. We're staying isolated through the holidays because of the virus, and without all the activities and interaction of the holidays it's more difficult to put myself in the spirit. I'd normally be doing loads of Christmas music at all my senior facilities and concerts ñ telling stories and letting the holiday spirit flow through me. I'm sort of put in mind what it must have been like for folks in previous centuries like pioneers and settlers who made Christmas at home with simple decorations and their own traditions of music, food and gifts. The hardest part is to let go of the worry that lingers with the virus and unrest so that the spirit can truly engulf you. I'm reminded that folks in similar circumstances have cherished Christmas in hard times ñ sometimes even more than not-so-hard times. It is a time of reflection on what is good in life as the days shorten ñ family, health, and love. Those are things we always value, but holidays bring them out even stronger. And Christmas brings a more spiritual and sacred aspect somehow even to those who are not religious. The story of the child and new birth couched in love and forgiveness can speak to us all of hope and reconciliation. I say it every year: let the spirit of this season permeate you and surround you in thoughts of love and generosity. We always have love to give. You just have to tap it and let it flow.
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What have I been up to?
Last week I only had a couple senior facilities online again. It has been warm, but with the increased cases no one is wanting to have any music in person even at a distance, and that is a good idea. I'm still reaching out to my facilities with clever ways to provide music and encouragement to their residents.
My Thursday show doing train songs was quite fun! There are so many songs about trains, and so many of them really capture the romance and reality of being around and on trains. We had a lively group of friends come out and enjoy the camaraderie and songs.
My Sunday show was filled with new music to me, and I think the folks are always entertained and curious how I'll interpret a song in one genre or another. I love all kinds of music. It is so much fun to plug into a song and the emotions of the story and how it is received and what memories it brings about. Music is a thrilling thing all around.
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What am I up to this week?
My Thursday online show 7-8:30 mountain time will be the first of two shows of Christmas music. I'll do one the next Thursday as well and then take off the Thursday that is Christmas Eve. I won't do a particular type of theme for this Christmas show, but I'll take some requests if folks have them. I have enough traditional and new Christmas music to fill probably eight shows, so we'll have some wonderful nights of music. Come on out and get in the spirit!
Sunday night 7-8:30 I'll do favorites and requests again. I keep writing how much fun these shows are for both me and the listeners, but you really have to experience it to believe it. There is such genuine interaction and love between folks that it is truly a blessing to be involved in. I'm so fortunate to have the friends and supporters I have. I have a bunch of great songs I'm already working on.
Again I'll remind you that I'll be doing a New Year's Eve show on the last Thursday of the month from 7-8:30 mountain time. That should be a fun online party, and you won't have to stay up 'til midnight to attend it!
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That's it for this week. I hope you are doing well and are staying safe. I know that a few people in my group have caught COVID and are doing okay with it. We have also had folks with losses from the virus and other things in the last few weeks, and my heart goes out to them as I feel the pain of loss myself. The holidays can be a rough time on all of us, but a little love and cheer goes a long way. I'll keep giving it, and I hope you will too.
Best,
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: Thursday, December 10, 7-8:30 pm mountain time
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 13, 7-8:30 pm mountain