…was in my grandma’s kitchen when she was making popcorn balls for Christmas.

I wrote an ode/dis over at Mile High Mamas. I miss those days of Christmas past when tradition was honored in sticky pink and green orbs.

(Photo is from Christmas, 1976, at my grandma’s house. I’m in the green dress, my sister is the little one who looks like Beatrix, and my cousin is the cute blonde.)

The joy was forced. Christmas 2005 was clouded by the very recent deaths of my grandmothers. While it seemed most of the world was making merry, our family made funeral arrangements. Death doesn’t stop at intersections to let Santa’s sleigh cruise by. It has the right-of-way. Always.

I’ve found solace and even validation through some of the following songs. If you are having a rough year, know that it’s okay to roll with the punches and own what you are going through. Some of the songs have melancholy lyrics. Others simply have a subdued, worshipful tone. All are lovely.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

I think this extends into the realm of the arts. If you are mourning, don’t ask Susie Snowflake to mourn with you. But Judy Garland gets sorrow and having to muddle through somehow.

1. Sister Winter by Sufjan Stevens.

2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland

3. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Frank Sinatra.

4. Merry Christmas, Here’s to Many More by Relient K

5. Winter Song by Sarah Bareilles & Ingrid Michelson

6. Carol of the Bells by Sixpence None the Richer.

7. Only at Christmas Time by Sufjan Stevens

8. Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel by Nicole C. Mullen.

(the links go to Amazon and are not paid or sponsored in any way)