11 Pipers Piping
Yesterday I sang this whole song for a group and of course everyone's favorite part is when we sing, "Five Golden Rings!" It is a good one for people with Alzheimer's as it is a good memory based song. Other favorites there were, "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Silver Bells", "It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas."
I am struck by how some songs are feel sad. At the end of, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" for instance it says, "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams." and I think of people who are at war who long to come home and be with their families during the holiday. I always think of the letters my father wrote to his mother from Korea and how much he wanted to be home with her.
So many times it seems Christmas is played up to be this big, happy time. But we are nearing the darkest night of the year and Christmas is also about struggle. Like all of the religious parables, it is about finding the light in the darkest days. So if you are feeling a little blue, you are only linking with all those others who are tuned into the dark times of the year.
The photo above is from Gordon House which is decorated so beautifully now. I play there monthly for the residents with dementia. I usually play relaxing instrumental guitar music as they get ready for bed. Last night I experimented with playing some instrumental Christmas songs and one woman sang all of them. She otherwise does not seem very verbal but when she recognizes a melody, she loves to sing. I really enjoyed playing the tunes while she sang. "We're a good team!" I told her.
I love this time of year for the darkness and the light. For the happy times and the sad. For the new year coming and the old one leaving.
How about you?
PS Looking for a unique Christmas gift? How about some original music by me? ! My CD, "Choose the Sky" was released in 2011. It took me 5 years to complete! (long story) You can go to the link for info about it or you can also email me here: <blueoconnell@gmail.com>
Thanks! :)
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