If you have followed long enough, you know I’m a big fan of the December 6th tradition of St. Nicholas Day. I have been known to don my elf hat and sneak some surprises on people, though, we are a bit older and no longer leave shoes outside for this. I have also had a twisted version, a pair of socks, hung off my car mirror because that particular “Saint Nick” was running late to work and did a drive by. It’s a simpler softer start to the season for me, as you’re doing smaller things like fruit and nuts, cookies and gum type thinking of you gifts. It’s not the big popular toy of the year or the budget breakers. It’s just more like… its December, the year is about to roll over, and this month will be hectic with all things going on, so here’s to your health now and in the new year. It’s more kindness and generosity towards others, that hey I am just thinking about you way.

Occasionally, it feels like it comes with a P.S. that says “I would have left you a hot coffee to start your day, but that’d be frozen solid in 5 minutes, so… pop tart instead?”

With that in mind, I also enjoy some season starters that maybe don’t remind me how close it is to Christmas, but do remind me of this day…

My absolute favorite season starter is the Beach Boys. The surfer vibe, and the remake of a regular song feel? (little deuce coupe anyone?) It gives that radio play mix in where it’s a seasonal song but it doesn’t hit you with the cold snow and jingle bells. It hits like a reminder, like post Thanksgiving regular radio music with that hint that St. Nick starts coming this time of year. Perfect beginning of December for Saint Nicholas Day type song.

Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boy

Up next, we have one that still fits the Christmas light musically, because the music notes can sometimes trip us up more than the words in the lyrics, but this one has more of a message attached. It was a different time. And yet? Wishing you a hopeful Christmas and a brave New Year, with a light heart? Yeah, that hits that kindness not consumer thing for me. And really, who couldn’t use a brave New Year wish? I definitely need me some of that in my socks on December 6th to do some scary new things for you guys. Well, for myself, but I do this so that you, my reader, will know about me when I am ready to be seen for the books I create. And we are getting very close to that silent promise to you all. More to come about that this week too. It’s like my new year changes start now…

I Believe In Father Christmas – Greg Lake

If my holiday season had a core thematic spine, (sorry, I think in writer) it might be this next one. Yes, it has that mood of the season, but has a deeper meaning and feeling. And OK, yes, I still believe because I am a child at heart. My aunt is still one as well, and that’s why we get so into the season. Not the gift hunting, but the spirit of everything else. Magic that the winter month gives that creates an anything is possible vibe, snow that slows things down and makes them beautiful as well. That feeling that creates warm hearted cheer, connections that make memories, and yes, even those terrible car carols sung in good spirits but annoy the driver. This season invokes a communal spirit of kindness, compassion, good will and well wishes. I still believe in that. I give to give, not to receive, because it makes me happy seeing someone else happy.

I Still Believe In Santa Claus – New Kids On The Block

Now, if you can handle some Christmas music in your ear, but still light on the make you feel like you should be doing something or saving something pressure? We’ve got reindeer and jingling bells. But also a flexible gifting day. Doesn’t mention the eve thing. But it does have a line about choose what you think is right for me, which again just feels more generous and thankful for being thought of than demanding; or I want this, that, and ten more things. It’s still too early to be completely stressed out. Yet, it can be the kind of playlist you hear when looking for your wrapping supplies and where that holiday box that always goes right there but isn’t there this year is.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas – Ray Smith

So, this last one? It’s a bit more cynical (I mean, it is The Kinks…) but it does show a bit of the opposite of the meaning, and the quiet bit between the hard rock reminds you of the other important things, and suggests a reminder to be generous to others. Threats need not apply… But hey, a good beat makes a catchy song.

Father Christmas – The Kinks

Now, this one is a bonus song because A) I don’t have a way to verify/credit the right places, B) it’s not in English so that might trip up some as well, and C) it has children’s song vibes. Pretty much just asking for something to be put in a shoe/boot and saying thank you. Sometimes the most simplest are the most fun ear worms in other languages. But that’s me, doesn’t have to be your opinion, that’s why its a bonus song.

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