A few months ago, I read an article that IPod was discontinuing the Nano and Shuffle music devices. So I asked Gene for an early Christmas present and he found me a nice, spanking new gold shuffle to store my Christmas music on. I know that I’m opening myself up for lots of helpful comments about how my I Phone can store more music or I could use play lists, blah, blah, blah, but save yourself some time. I can be stubborn about my preferences and none of those items will change their tune when you shake them! And there is a certain amount of gratification in shaking something when you aren’t happy with it. (My children are greatly amused when I shake my old Nano and nothing happens.)
I love everything about Christmas as my family can attest to. I have a big smile on my face from Thanksgiving until New Year. I love the family time, the music, the lights, the smells, wrapping presents, finding just the right gift, sharing time with friends, church and especially Christmas music. I try to keep some in every room.
So I spent this cold fall morning uploading 66 of my favorite Christmas tunes to my Shuffle, which was the first Christmas miracle of the season because I didn’t have to ask for Gene’s help. That’s 3 hours and 56 minutes of songs that I know each and every word to, and I’m not hesitant to sing along with. (So if I ask you to join me on a road trip in December, beware.)
Don’t take that warning lightly. When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a famous singer. I would sit under the water tower in rural Kansas and sing “Somewhere over the rainbow” at the top of my lungs and dream of stardom. The neighbors would shut their windows, but I was undeterred. In fifth grade, I remember the choir instructor suggesting that I try out for Band. I was impressed that she saw my musical abilities and promptly signed up for band. It wasn’t until I was in High School that I realized she knew that students could only be in band OR choir, not both. Hmmm.
Just to make sure that the songs were actually on the Shuffle, I hooked up my headphones this morning and took Luci Dog out for a brisk walk in the 33 degree weather. I danced and sang at the top of my lungs while Luci ignored me except for the occasional glance and roll of the eyes. At one point, she kept looking over her shoulder at me questioningly, and I would just laugh. Eventually, I turned around and notice the UPS driver following me up the one mile drive laughing. Somehow, that is just my luck.
So starting Thanksgiving Day, if you listen carefully, you might just hear me singing. Always happy to share!