Column: Thanks for Listening

The great debates begin.

The great Christmas song debate started today. Do you love traditional Christmas songs or contemporary Christmas music?

I personally love the older, more traditional songs. I also think it matters who sings these songs as I love: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Johnny Cash and “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby.

Other favorites are:

“Silent Night” by Johnny Cash.

“Away in The Manger” by Gene Autry.

“O Little Town Of Bethlehem.”

“O Holy Night” by Nat King Cole.

“What Child Is This” by Johnny Mathis.

“Little Drummer Boy” by Johnny Cash.

“The Gifts They Gave” by Johnny Cash.

“Do You Hear What I Hear” by Martina McBride.

“Grown-Up Christmas List” by Amy Grant.

“Carol Of The Bells” by Mannheim Steamroller.

“Jingle Bell Rock” by Brenda Lee.

“Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” by Burl Ives.

“Frosty The Snowman” by Jimmy Durante.

“Baby it’s Cold Outside” by Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby.

“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole.

“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley.

“Let It Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow” by Dean Martin.

“Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt.

I am sure I maybe missing a few other great Christmas songs and as so many artists have covered all of these amazing songs that I will leave it with you to choose who your favorite renditions are sung by because each era has their favorites.

What are yours?

Maybe “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” by Elmo & Patsy?

 

Merry Christmas

I always found it a bit funny that people say “happy holidays” as to not offend anyone that is of a different religion or belief system. I would rather know what someone’s belief system is and try and find more information about what their beliefs are and find some common ground between our two religions.

I like to say “Merry Christmas” because I believe in Christ. I also would happily say “Happy Hanukkah” to my friends who are Jewish. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights (Dec 1-9). In Hebrew, the word “Hanukkah” means dedication.

I would also say “Happy Kwanzaa” for my friends who are African American. I think it is cool that the name Kwanzaa means first fruits. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa (Dec. 26-Jan. 1) is dedicated to one of the following principles. In order, they are:

Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

I think it is important to find common ground between religions as well as people because, well, think of the wars we could have avoided over the years if we just looked for common ground.

This season of holidays, we should remember this: Being too politically correct is an easy way to avoid making a new friend or finding out about something new. Search out somebody different than you and find out about him or her. It may just surprise you how much you have in common.

 

Rink recognition

Congratulations to Roy Nystrom.

The Blue Rink at the City Arena will be dedicated to longtime Albert Lea boys’ hockey coach Roy Nystrom.

The rink will be renamed Roy Nystrom Arena prior to the Tigers boys’ hockey team’s season opener with the unveiling of two new signs. The Tigers are slated to face Northfield at 7 p.m. and the dedication will take place following the junior varsity game, as early as 6:30 p.m.

Thanks, Roy, for everything you have done over the years for Albert Lea hockey!

 

Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer’s column appears every Thursday.