Nov

CHRISTMAS? BAH HUMBUG!

by Norah Wilson

Okay, here’s where Heather and I diverge. I’m kind of a scrooge.

I grew up loving Christmas. And I really, really loved it when our kids were little. Watching them open their gifts was the best! But please, does it have to be a two month, mall-crawling, tinsel-strewn spend-a-thon? Barely has the Halloween stuff been packed away and the Christmas stuff is in our faces and Christmas musak is being piped through the speakers in the ceiling. Is just want to find the manager and say, “Dude, seriously? It’s November 1st!”

Part of my transition to the scrooge side was inheriting responsibility for planning a large provincial conference in the fall. In the weeks leading up to the event, I am often working 10-12 hour days. Afterward, I’m exhausted and way behind the eight ball, so I have to put on my elbow pads and brave the crowds. Then there’s the cost – Hello? I have two kids in university, both living at home. The idea of incurring credit card debt to buy a bunch of stuff just does not appeal. And forget about baking and decorating and entertaining. With a full time job, demanding writing schedule, family, pets, domestic chores … well, let’s just say I’m ready to put that partridge in the pear tree in my crosshairs.

There, I feel better. <g>

Seriously, when it finally comes, I love Christmas. If I’m lucky, I did most of my shopping on the Internet, got my Christmas cards mailed, didn’t forget anyone’s gift, didn’t overheat my Visa, and have some spiced rum in the cupboard and eggnog in the fridge.

And I’m going to diverge from Heather with my wish list, too. Yes, I see a ton of books I’d love to read, but I’m a fan of the gift certificate when it comes to book shopping. (Or just get me a Kindle and I’ll worry about loading it up!) Instead, here are three CDs I’d love to have:

Kings of Leon have a new CD! Come Around Sundown looks awesome.

The album’s huge range proves that Kings of Leon haven’t lost the restless, experimental nature that has made them such an exciting band to watch.

Then there’s Stone Temple Pilots eponymously labeled album.

'STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' sees one of rock's biggest bands continuing to explore their enduring approach to music - melding big rock riffs, classic pop hooks, and the restless experimentalism of glam, punk, and psychedelia.

Last but not least, I’d love to check out Jacob Dylan’s new Women and Country. I’d love to see another Wallflowers album like Red Letter Day sometime, but in the meantime, I’ll follow wherever Jakob leads.

… a lush collection that blends country, blues and folk into a poignant aural evocation of rural landscapes.