*sobs* ah... so sad. I belive that people write and sing sad Christmas songs for two reasons: 1. They explain. They enlighten. They teach. They reveal. They convey meaning. They cause emotions. Sad ones, yes, but aren't those the ones that you remember the most? The ones that stick? That you want to listen to again, depsite their sadness? 2. It's a sad, sad fact, but these aren't just some sad fairytale. True, they might not have actually happened, but people go through things like this every day. Winter can kill someone, even when it's not the season outside. The winter in one's heart, it's cold fingers grasping them tightly. Children alone, forgotten, abandoned. Teens abused, neglected, twisted. Adults abused, misused, suffocated. It's a part of the world we wish to turn a blind eye to. All the hurt... all the pain... These songs keep us from neglecting those in need. The remind us that there is someone out there that needs a hand this Christmas, and try to get us to be the one that reaches out. To help a soul in need. Maybe we don't need to lay our life down, maybe all they need is a smile, but I believe that sad Chrismtas songs are God's way of touching other's hearts, compelling them to offer a hand. In the Cat Carol, the cat gave the mouse a place to stay warm. In turn, though, the cat lost it's life. But it's spirit lays on, and it paved the path for other's to follow. Say that wasn't a cat? Say it was a teen, and the mouse was a child. Say that the teen had been walking, a runaway from an abusive, neglective home, and the child was an orphan, neglected, alone. By chance the two are brought together. They huddle in the snow, hoping that morning will bring light into their darkend world. Santa's a sympathetic adult, who walks over to the homless duo, offering their house on Christmas Eve. The teen is gone, having layed down their life for the child they wanted to protect from the cold. You see. It could happen. Maybe not a cat and a mouse. But two helpless children, two helpless people, two helpless souls left in the cold, lost in the winter. I made myself cry writing that. >.Anyway, I didn't mean anything by that. It's my opinion, and it's not there to hurt feelings or make other's look bad. It's there to say what I feel needs to be said. Another song I love, that's sad, is of course Christmas Shoes. Also, Concrete Angel has to be one of the saddest songs that I've heard in a while. It's not Christmas related, but I can't help thinking of it every time I'm touched by a song.

Having been schooled in the UK, in the days when daily religious assembly was standard in all public schools, I have a fine repertoire of carols (non-christians were excused assembly). Carols sung by choirs are an important part of Christmas for me. and one of my most precious memories is of my father listening to the Kings College choir service of Nine Lessons & Carols on Christmas Eve - now, instead of hearing it in the evening, I can hear it on NPR in the daytime. I was surprised to find that many of my favourite carols are generally sung to different tunes Over Here. I've come to like those just as well, but my favourite is O Little Town of Bethlehem - to the tune used in England. It speaks to me of night-time, starlight, frost and the mystery awaiting . . .

I checked the delivery confirmation # for Michelle's package and it stated it was delivered. Hopefully she will confirm soon. Thanks Jeanne for an awesome swap. We are still looking for someone to take January. I hope Maryanne, Remy, Margaret and some others in our group are ok, haven't heard from them in awhile. Jan. Feb. hazelnutbunny Mar. Apr. micyrey May mellen June brittneysgran July veeja11 Aug. Sept. Oct. flowergirl34 Nov. Dec. Jeanne, Margaret, Margo, Jen, Faye, Annie, Remy & Maryanne....step up and take a month if you can. I know we have more members than this but can't think right now of everyone. Shirley

Just answered on the other thread about it. It was not as creepy as I'd have expected. Basically it was UN propaganda. Definitely an unusual version, a number of fairly big (at the time) stars. We did feel it was historically and politically, a very important show to see, but not particularly a 'feel good' Christmas movie.