Saturday Night Serenade–Welcome, New Year!

We’re counting down to the New Year. Can you believe it’s going to be 2020? Didn’t we all think we’d be driving flying cars by now? And eating simulated food pellets or something?

I cannot tell a lie, I’m very happy to wave goodbye to 2019. It’s been an incredibly rough year. We’ve loved, we’ve lost, we’ve worried, we’ve regrouped…

Here’s hoping for a peaceful new year, a chance to catch our breath and make a new plan. I think that’s why Better Days by the Goo Goo Dolls is on my mind this week. 2020 is a chance for a do-over. For all of us.

Better Days

And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days
Cause I don’t need boxes wrapped in strings
And designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight’s the night the world begins again

I need someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And thats faith and trust and peace while we’re alive
And the one poor child who saved this world
And there’s 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight’s the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cause everyone is forgiven now
Cause tonight’s the night the world begins again
Cause tonight’s the night the world begins again

Better Days by John Rzeznik

From our house to yours, we wish you a very and prosperous New Year surrounded by those you love. Be sure to give them a hug.

Happy Saturday night!

Saturday Night Serenade–Merry Christmas!

How is it possible that Christmas is only a few days away? Weren’t we just sweltering away in the dog days of summer?

Tonight, I’m bringing a handful of my favorite songs of the season. There’s something old, something new, and somthing in between, too.

First, I can’t resist my absolute favorite by Mariah Carey. All I Want for Christmas is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and its first time at #1. And this year, Mariah has rolled out this brand-new video in honor of this momentous occasion.

I can’t resist Pentatonix, especially during the holidays, and their version of Mary, Did You Know? is a capella magic. It brings a tear to my eyes every time I hear it.

The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York gets a dusting-off by Ed Sheeran (you know I can’t resist Ed) and Anne-Marie with a notable lyric change. You know the one I mean. And the song is better for it.

Christmas Valentine by Ingrid Michaelson and Jason Mraz is one of those songs destined to be a holiday classic, and this video is adorable, too.

And finally, just to be perverse, I have to leave you with The Season’s Upon Us by Dropkick Murphys. May this family NOT be your family.

From our new digs, Mr. R and I wish you the merriest of Christmases surrounded by the ones you love. Be sure to give them a hug and tell them how much they mean to you.

Happy Saturday night!

Saturday Night Serenade–Happy Holidays!

I love Christmas music!
It’s one of my favorite parts of the whole holiday season.

This classic by Andy Williams has been swirling around in my head for days. Waaaay back in the day, we sang Happy Holiday in the varsity choir. It’s just so fun, and it brings with it such pleasant memories.

I couldn’t resist a second song tonight, though. I can never get enough Pentatonix at Christmas. This is a newer version of another holday classic.

I hope you enjoy both of them tonight. As you get ready for the holidays, be sure to hug those you love.

Happy Saturday night!