Festivus… for the Rest of Us!
At this time of year, Christmas takes up a lot of airtime, but there are lots of other holidays to celebrate. Many people who aren’t Christians celebrate the holiday, because why not, but others of us aren’t always in the mood.
There’s Festivus, which I enjoy for the traditional Airing of Grievances, the winter solstice (on which Christmas is based), Hanukkah, and lots of others. The one that I’ll probably be celebrating is Jolabokaflod on December 24th, where it’s traditional in Iceland to give and receive books and then spend the night reading.
I have a playlist of some alternative music for the holiday. If you’re feeling the need for some listening inspiration…
In no particular order:
The original Hanukkah song by Adam Sandler (there are one or two more as well): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX5Z-HpHH9g
Mashup of Imperial March (from Star Wars, silly) and Carol of the Bells:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66M8NwkRmew
Dropkick Murphys, “The Season’s Upon Us”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTx-sdR6Yzk
Deck the Halls mashup with War Pigs (by Black Sabbath)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftlNX7xTVK0
Similarly, All I Want for Christmas mashup with Sober (by Tool)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjigNOKF4t8
Last Christmas (Wham!) metal cover by Leo Moracchioli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmzz516cAnw
Jingle Bells Club Remix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6TA98FSBkk
Like classical music? Jingle Bells in a minor key is absolutely haunting!
https://www.facebook.com/ClassicFM/videos/214959303364426
One of the few Christmas carols that I enjoy in its actual form is Little Drummer Boy. The lyric’s about a poor kid who doesn’t have any gifts to bring except his one talent (which happens to be drumming.)
Many of my readers probably have more than one talent, but remember gifts aren’t always things that you buy.
Anyway, here’s a version I like with a snare drum line:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sKmHiGOv70
Happy holidays everyone!