The Kitchen Musician ~ December 2024
Hello Friends,
Sharing my first original Christmas song, ironically titled “Skipping Christmas this Year” – but it is really a story of someone who found an alternative to the heavily marketed consumer version of Christmas. Join me at the kitchen table and I will fill you in on the details.
Index
NEWS:
THIS MONTH’S MUSIC: “Skipping Christmas this Year”
UPCOMING SHOWS
FEATURED NON-PROFIT: The Greater Boston Food Bank
Parish Center for the Arts, Westford, MA
Photo by Dan Tappan
News:
I had a great Thanksgiving with our oldest daughter’s family. Lots of hugs, laughs, and a terrific meal that I didn’t have to cook!
I am very much looking forward to two great shows in January.
Jan 22, Wednesday: Dan’l Boone Library, Virtual Concert, Columbia, MO. Performing a songwriter showcase with talented friends Kim Wallach and Tracy Newman, virtually via Zoom. 8:00 pm ET. Public invited.
Jan 25, Saturday: Needham, MA. Sharing this show with Cosy Sheridan, along with Charlie Koch and Seth Connelly, at The Homegrown Coffeehouse. We had so much fun doing this together in October in Dedham, MA, we jumped at the chance to keep the energy going. I guarantee that you will leave feeling better than when you arrived.
All show details can be found at upcoming shows.
This Month’s Music: “Skipping Christmas this Year”
℗© 2024 Tom Smith (ASCAP)
My experience with Christmas has several profiles. There are my childhood memories of trying to stay awake long enough to hear the prancing and pawing of tiny hoofs on our rooftop, the magical transformation of our living room – an evergreen tree encircled with lights, tinsel and ornaments, presents wrapped in shiny paper and red ribbons. There is the story of the Christ child, born in a manger and destined to spread kindness and goodness throughout the world. The embrace of family and friends, which is always welcome but somehow even more meaningful at the intersection of darkness and celebration. Perhaps the most visible profile here in the United States is retail stores and media filling our heads with black Fridays, cyber Mondays and super specials on the rest of the days in the week.
With all of the high spirits and good cheer on every television screen and web browser, it is easy to overlook that for some, Christmas comes with very different emotions. Some associate Christmas with loneliness, loss or hardship. In my song this month, I tell a story of one such person who, by skipping the heavily marketed version of Christmas, found a deep and meaningful way to keep it.
I am sure you recognize the first line in the chorus from the famous Christmas carol, “Joy to the World”, to which I attach a minor chord. I also include a line based on an infrequently sung verse that starts:
“No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground”
Be kind to each other, and especially to yourself. Wishing you good health and happiness in this holiday season, and always.
Tom
(If so inclined, I invite you to leave a comment by scrolling to the end of this page.)
Featured Non-profit: Greater Boston Food Bank
The Greater Boston Food Bank “works passionately to end hunger across Eastern Massachusetts by providing our neighbors in need the healthy food and resources they need to thrive… Your support enables GBFB to distribute healthy food to neighbors in need as well as nutrition programs and resources for sustained, healthy lives and healthy communities.”
Please join me in supporting The Greater Boston Food Bank, or click to find a food bank in your area.
Tom Smith
December 4, 2024Skipping Christmas this Year
© 2024 Tom Smith (ASCAP)
Joy to the world
Christmas Eve, she could be home
At least here she’s not alone
Barkeep says “Kate, it’s time to leave”
She drains her cup of cheer
Lights go dark upon the tree
She’s skipping Christmas this year
Joy to the world
No more let sorrows grow
Joy to the world
A Goodwill coat, pockets torn
Old man rolled up by the storm
He stuffs his stash of prayers and thoughts
Into his empty cup of cheer
Sleeping in a cardboard box
He’s skipping Christmas this year
Joy to the world
No more let sorrows grow
Joy to the world
We’re told that Christmas is not kept
Until our gifts are bought and wrapped
Kate hurries past the stores
Takes her shift on the soup kitchen floor
It’s not just a tray of beans and ham
Much more than that is shared
Between Kate and that old man
They’re skipping Christmas this year
They’re skipping Christmas
Joy to the world
No more let sorrows grow
Joy to the world
No more let sorrows grow
Bob Uvello
December 6, 2024Tom, this is an outstanding song! When I heard you sing it, in Bridgewater, on Tuesday, I knew it was special; but I didn’t catch all the lyrics. On reading it, I was moved. Great work!
Tom Smith
December 16, 2024Thank you, Bob. Very much appreciate comments like this from a songwriter.
Elaine
December 5, 2024Love ..
Elaine
Tom Smith
December 5, 2024Thanks for listening, Elaine. Wishing you, Eric and “the kids” best wishes and happy holidays!
Steve Rapson
December 6, 2024Excellent song. Tom. In the guitar nerd department, your guitar sounds extra fabulous.
Tom Smith
December 6, 2024Thank you, Steve. That guitar plays itself. 🙂
Wendy Parker
December 5, 2024This is a wonderful song Tom. Beautifully poignant and a gentle reminder to us that Christmas is so very different for so many. We can easily get caught up in the gifts and the bling and perhaps not intentionally, but do not see ! Thank you for sharing . Sending you and yours all good wishes of the season. Wendy Parker (Dun Cow) 💞
Tom Smith
December 5, 2024Thank you very much for your deep listening, and kind comments, Wendy. I consider the good folks of Dun Cow an extension of my family. Best wishes to you for a music filled holiday season.
Nancy
December 5, 2024Yes, Christmas is more than giving and receiving gifts. It’s all those wonderful carols and the Christmas Oratorio. It’s donating to those in need. It’s visiting friends and family and sharing cookies and other treats. Joy to the world.
Tom Smith
December 5, 2024… and wishing well, with gratitude for all of your contributions to make the world a better place!
Dan Cloutier
December 5, 2024Bravo my friend!
Tom Smith
December 5, 2024Thanks Dan. Appreciate the call-out from a great songwriter.
Margo
December 6, 2024I love this song – so poignant and thoughtful. Thankyou.
Tom Smith
December 6, 2024Love you!
Joe Fredette
December 6, 2024Another beautiful song, Tom. Thank you for sharing, and my best wishes to you and Margo for a joyful holiday season. Hope to see you in 2025 – perhaps at Dan’s CD release show(?). It’s been too long!
Cheers!
Tom Smith
December 7, 2024Hi Joe. Yes, “been gone too long”. Will be at Dan’s CD release for sure. See you then.
Linda havel
December 9, 2024“Joy to the world”…no more let sorrows grow Beautiful👏