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These Gifts We Bring

Wishes for a bright and blessed Christmas

I’m not sure how many thousand times I’ve heard “The Little Drummer Boy.“  Mostly it’s been in elevators, on car radios and in commercials on television. It never seemed the equal of the great Christmas hymns or the classic Christmas songs like “White Christmas.“ It wasn’t quite “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,“ but I always felt there was something second-rate about it, as much as I kept time to the rum-pa-pum-pum.

My feelings had a complete turnaround on Friday night. I had the privilege of being at a wonderful concert at Lincoln Center, with the New York Philharmonic and one of my favorite singers, Brian Stokes Mitchell. The high point of the evening was yes, “The Little Drummer Boy,” and I no longer think of it as second rate.  The phrase that spoke to me was “these gifts we bring.“ I’d heard it thousands of times, but this was the first time I really heard it.

I’ve spent the last few days thinking about what gifts I can bring to the world, a topic for a later and longer post. But I’ve also spent time thinking about the gifts you all have brought to me, especially the gift of friendship.  If any among you think you have no gifts to bring, think again and again, for you would be sorely wrong. Thank you all for these gifts you bring.  I have been so richly blessed.

For the next week I am on a blog vacation. You might see a picture or two, but it's time to step off the merry-go-round for a little while and catch my breath. I will be back on January 1, 2014 with my perfect word for 2014. My wishes for a bright and blessed Christmas, a week of calm and fun, and a glad new year. 

15 comments

Chatty Crone said...

We Wish You a Merry♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥We Wish You A Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ And a Happy New Year!!!

Marie Rayner said...

How wonderful Carol! I can remember listening to that song as a child and loving it. There are so many nice Christmas songs out there. I love to listen to the oldies from Bing, Dean and the others. Memories of a wonderful childhood all wrapped up in their music. xxoo

Little Wandering Wren said...

Dearest Buttercup, I'm glad you have the Little Drummer Boy as a favourite now as I love it. The one that has been ruined for me is Frosty the Snowman which is played in every supermarket and lift! Now perhaps if I'd heard the New York Philharmonic and Brian's version I would think differently!!
Have a good break.
Happy New Year looking forward to catching up again then.
Wren x

Sharon said...

I love it when something comes alive in a new and different way for me especially when it happens via something I've taken for granted or considered ho-hum. And I love it the same thing happens through the experience of a friend. Thank you for sharing that story. I look forward to knowing you better in 2014. Happy New Year!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

We are blessed with so many gifts and the best of all is life itself. Hope you enjoy your little week of rest. I've picked out my perfect word. It'll be interesting to see what yours is.

Linda said...

Haver a wonderful blog vacation. See you when you get back..As for the Little Drummer Boy..it speaks to me..as the boy has no presents to bring..it is just his drum..it is just a sad song that melts my heart. Blessings

Nellie said...

I love your posts, Carol! Thank you so much for the card! Enjoy your blogging break! xo Nellie

Patty Sumner said...

Such a great thought....the gifts we bring...Can't wait to hear more....Always a joy to stop by and visit with you....I love the snow on the fresh green wreath....no snow here....cold and sunshine.... Have a great week. Blessings!

Melinda said...

I'm glad you changed your mind.
This song has stuck with me since
I was small and in a church Christmas
program.
Thank you for your gifts! Enjoy your break.

M : )

TARYTERRE said...

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Enjoy your blogging break.

Mevely317 said...

Those opening notes always provoke a lump in my throat! Hands-down, it was my mother's favorite ... even in the nursing home when robbed of so much memory, she'd remind me most every day, "That's my favorite, you know."

Suddenly, your mention of these few lyrics has me wanting to hear it once more -- on purpose ... and to ponder your thoughts.

Wishing you (and Pepe!) a very HAPPY New Year.


Paula said...

Have a wonderful break and Happy New Year!

Theresa said...

Your friendship is a blessing to me! Enjoy your break dear friend and I'll be waiting to see your sweet smile again:) Have a blessed week ahead and a VERY Happy New Year! BIG HUGS!

Grammy Staffy said...

Little drummer boy is not my favorite carol but I do like it. I'm sending you best wishes for 2014. Hugs

peggy said...

Just stopping in to wish you a Happy New Year. Would I see you at Times Square I wonder?