Sitting at the square table in the kitchen, we checked our phones. “Today’s the 18th!” It was 7 days before Christmas and we had hardly noticed. Busy in the shop, heads down and shovels high, we were preparing for the season that was quickly and silently creeping up on us. For me the Christmas spirit is only truly felt when I’m on vacation (Christmas vacation), otherwise it’s December. Vacation is the sunlight to my Christmas photosynthesis.
I love Christmas; and there are many elements which make up the season. One of the pros of Christmas is the music (and movies). This is the time to play all your favourite Christmas hits at the top of what is an acceptable decibel range, and sing incessantly about snow, shoes and the Saviour everywhere we go. We watch movies such as Miracle on 34th Street, and retell How The Grinch Stole Christmas to children, adults and anyone who’s listening (or not). Of course, one of the cons of this season is hearing your least favourite songs (one man’s trash is another man’s treasure) played over and over in your ear. Those songs that take a full 11 months to leave your system, but by then the radio starts to play them again.
But before the melodies start to creep back into our heads, let me share a few of my favourite things:
Social Club
With names such as Martymar and Fern, this duo may very well be the face of the Misfit Gang. Oh they are! Stage names are usually cool labels artists seek to find. These two have done the opposite, they have made these names cool. These are the songs of the misfits, the outcasts – no Big Boy. Their latest album, Summer of George, presents how God can take a nobody and make him/her “tell everybody about somebody who can save anybody”, according to KB. Their latest release, Turtlenecks and Blazers, is their Christmas gift to us.
Atta Boafo
Alias, “The Worship Warrior”, Atta Boafo has impacted gospel music with his powerful and spirited worship songs. His first Christmas single is a self-penned chorus called Saviour of the World. It adores Christ, full of God’s glory and mercy and love. It swings on the pendulum between a worship song and a birthday song. Its simple lyrics hold familiar but profound truth – Jesus is the Saviour of the world. What a great reminder!
Lights
There is something magical about Christmas lights. The onset of the Christmas season comes to us in gentle waves of joy and colour. Nativity scenes, Santa, and of course, the only time I have ever seen a reindeer are results of these artworks. It’s all light but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. We all love silent nights but can you imagine seeing the dark night at Christmas?

Shows and Parties
In addition to Christmas lights, Christmas shows are the bomb (#80sBaby)! Concerts, recitals, plays all enhance the festive atmosphere of Christmas; with New Years riding behind like a sleigh. Friends come home (or you do), crash your place (or you do), clean out your fridge (or you do) and enjoy each other’s company. It’s wonderful!
Food
This is a separate blog in itself but a quick synopsis shows that chocolate and Christmas go hand in hand to mouth. Christmas is that acceptable time where the spoils of November’s exercise war are enjoyed with family and friends. I don’t think it is acceptable to post photos of food because Christmas isn’t here yet. To all those on their last lap (no pun intended)…just keep swimming!
“Gum drops and Wispas,
House smells like Christmas.
Music and movies and light shows that move me.
Family and friends and the gifts that we bring
These are a few of my favourite things!”
So as we sing, dance, and go about our Christmas traditions and activities, we at Pulse pray you have an enjoyable holiday. And whatever you do, do it to the glory of God!