Dear readers,
As we approach the holiday season, many of you may not celebrate Christmas or might follow the Christian Orthodox calendar. However, this widely recognized occasion often brings a pause in business and media, offering everyone a chance for festivities or at least some much-needed rest. I hope you find joy in this time of year in a way that resonates with you.
I would also like to extend my solidarity to those whom I refer to as ‘Christmas orphans’—individuals who may have previously celebrated this season but find themselves alone this year, possibly due to health issues, financial constraints, family disagreements, or the loss of a loved one. The isolation during such transformative times can be particularly tough, especially when our consumer-driven society constantly showcases joyful gatherings, heaps of presents, and festive feasts. Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize that there are also heartwarming aspects of the holiday season. I find myself drawn to beautifully decorated Christmas trees and the cheerful lights that grace many homes and businesses, particularly during the short winter days for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere.
Moreover, Christmas music, especially choral arrangements, can be profoundly moving. Earlier today, I had the privilege of attending an a cappella performance featuring blind children at a local expat club. They delivered an exceptional performance, skillfully staying on pitch without a conductor to guide them, which was truly inspiring.
While I don’t usually harbor warm, sentimental feelings for major holidays, I believe it’s essential for those who feel isolated or limited in their outings to engage in proper self-care. Embracing the season, even if you’re deviating from the norm, can be beneficial. I highly recommend immersing yourself in music, particularly live performances if they’re accessible to you. For those who feel a bit rebellious about traditional Christmas tunes, medieval songs can be a refreshing alternative:
Longtime readers may know of my admiration for Dimash:
Lambert was particularly captivated by this song:
As a former choral singer, I cherish powerful vocal performances, and while Handel’s “Messiah” isn’t strictly Christmas music, the sheer wall of sound is exhilarating. Although this recording lacks the visual thrill of a live show, it has received high praise from music aficionados and left me with goosebumps, even more so than the renditions by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Hallelujah chorus begins at the 139:30 mark.
A nostalgic snippet from my childhood that I still enjoy:
Now, let’s discuss our schedule for the holidays. Your dedicated team of writers plans to continue with the Coffee Breaks during this festive period. However, they may occasionally be sidetracked by their personal lives. There will also be a “weekend” lineup of posts from Christmas through New Year’s Day, which will include links and two additional articles.
This holiday season, we will also adopt a more relaxed approach to comments. Rather than disabling them entirely, comments will remain open but may be approved at a slower pace than usual. I will be available, though generally only late in the evening Eastern time through noon. Katiebird will be offline, while semperloquitur will touch base in the afternoons—except on Christmas Day. We ask for your patience during these times!
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday! And for those who pray, please include a wish for “Peace on earth” in your thoughts.
