It started with a little project called Phantasmagorical Freek Friday and all I could think about was music, memories, and more music. Like I always do when I'm analyzing things, I started with my childhood first and then worked forward chronologically.(There is an interesting reason for this, but we will save that for another day)

Have you ever sat and tried to pinpoint the very first musical experience that you can remember? Go back, way back. If you have kids, or are around kids, you know music is part of a baby’s life from practically day one. Musical mobiles; toys; and momma’s sweet voice singing. But what is the first musical memory you can actually recall?

I think mine is my mom singing to my sister and I before bed as we looked out the window at the moon.
I see the moon
The moon sees me
God made the moon
And God made me

As I searched for that first musical memory, the most memorable songs were Christmas songs. Apropos for the season, I guess. Maybe they came up more because we sing the same songs year after year.

I remember Up on the House top and Frosty, but the most intriguing carols were about a babe born in a manger on a cold winter’s night in a barn. Those carols were mostly quieter melodies with mysterious lyrics. The story fascinated me. Who was this baby sleeping? Why was He so important?

Silent Night. There is an early memory. All is calm. Lot’s of things about growing up were not calm, so all things calm and bright got my attention. These were some of the first seeds of Faith planted in my heart. I was in as much awe as those blessed sheep herders were. I stood in Church near my mom and her amazing alto voice and my dad’s beautiful belting tenor. All of us were facing forward, no choir, no band, just four-part, a cappella harmony in a mass of 60-100 Christians praising the new born Lord. Great memories!

My favorite songs have always been Joy to the World and O Holy Night.
These days I am really a Scrooge about Christmas music. I think it is because it starts November 1st and mostly it is not played to remind me of Jesus’ birthday, but to remind me to spend money I don’t have. I mean for me,I want Christmas to be: “Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born!” These are my favorite lyrics and melody of all time.

I wrote this blog last night in a notebook. It is five pages long, so I think I’ll stop here and spare you any more torture. It was just fun looking back. And, as always, I'd love to hear any thoughts you care to/have time to share.