Rodgers and Hammerstein weren't writing Christmas songs in 1959, but "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music has flown like "wild geese with the moon on their wings" to a high place in the holiday repertoire. Listening to several renditions--nearly 100 artists have recorded it--has inspired this list of favorite Christmas things. I hope you'll find something here to create, enjoy or give this season.
FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE.
Christmas with Dino is a classic, right down to the white socks and loafers. My favorite song? "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Songs of Angels offers 29 traditional carols, all sung a capella, with the late Robert Shaw conducting his chamber singers.
HOOSIER PIE.
It's delicious and easy. (You can't mess it up!) I bake as many as six for the Fogarty Christmas gathering. A few brothers-in-law and nephews like to take an entire pie home! Pecans and chocolate chips, obviously. Secret ingredient? 2 tablespoons of bourbon! Recipe.
A BOOKWORM'S CHRISTMAS TREE.
I'm hardly an artsy/craftsy type, but this project was great fun. My first attempt looked like the misshapen mountain in Close Encounter of the Third Kind, but I persevered and think I did okay. All of my family's favorites books are in there......... somewhere.
BOOKS ABOUT GIVING.
I'd love to see Congratulations, by the Way - Some Thoughts on Kindness as required reading for the human race. I've read this gem by George Saunders countless times and never without tears. It's just that moving. Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree? Perfect for children and grown-ups too. And O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi is available in many gorgeous illustrated editions, like this one by Lisbeth Zwerger. My copy was a long ago gift from Mike's mom, but it's still in print. (I checked to be sure.)
And don't forget BREAKING AND HOLDING, my 1970s love story sure to warm a heart. (Or a winter night!)
TRUE FAVORITES.
You won't find these under a tree or in brown paper packages tied up with string, but love, joy, peace, friends and family are the favorites I love best.
Sincere Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season from our home to yours.
With my son Colin, daughter Sara Jane, and husband Mike.
PAPERBACK, AUDIO BOOK, E-BOOK -- ORDER BREAKING AND HOLDING TODAY.