Arts & Culture

Our power just came back on at home Tuesday afternoon, Christmas Eve, after being off since Sunday morning. We've been in the dark and cold, except for candles and a fireplace (and my year round wood gathering) and no Internet or TV. 

Until today I was unable to write my annual best Christmas song blog but in a small and thankful Christmas surprise the power has come back on and with it the heat, light, and Internet and so the tradition can continue.

In 2012 I thought  "Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses was the best.

In 2011 I thought "Christmas Is" by  Lou Rawls was the best.

But this year I'm going back to my innocent carefree (warm and with electricity but no Internet) childhood and suggesting "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells".

Which of us, of a certain age, will not have their own specific rhyme but below is what I remember:

Jingle Bells, Batman smells
Robin laid an egg.
The Batmobile lost a wheel
and the Joker got away (Hey!)

We both helped our neighbours during the the ice storm and were also helped by them for which we are very grateful.  I am reminded though of those who, even when the electricity comes back on, don't have enough heat, food, comfort or companionship.  The recent weather events reminds us how vulnerable we all are - and prompts the question: How are we called on to help others in need?

I wish you all a safe, warm light-filled Holiday Season.

If you're interested in scores about Christmas or Hanukkah my colleague Jorge at Barbara Frum Library has done a great blog post on these.   You might want to also consider the following: