sprite writes
broodings from the burrow

December 3, 2018


virtual advent tour 2018: day 3
posted by soe 6:57 am

Welcome back to the Virtual Advent Tour! Today’s host is me!

Music is so important to making my holidays what they are. I grew up in a household where a stereo was always on, and my dad has been a big proponent of making Christmas mixes since before I was born. So I thought today I’d share three songs for your holiday listening pleasure that I’ve encountered for the first time this year:

The first is a re-imagined “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” updated for a #MeToo world. While I agree with those who say that it’s not the original intention of the song’s writers to make it seem creepy, I think some of the actions described in the song, combined with the frequent age discrepancies between the male and female singers in the duet, hit a little too close to reports from survivors of sexual assault/harassment to make it a completely comfortable song for me to listen to. Your mileage may vary, and I respect that, but for others who’ve moved away from the song, this version from Lydia Liza and Josiah Lemanski may give you a way back in:

Phoebe Bridgers (with Jackson Brown) dropped this cover of McCarthy Trenching’s “Christmas Song” last week, and I can see it getting a lot of play at my house this year:

Finally, singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson lost both her parents in the last year and wanted a way to reclaim the holidays at a time that was so hard for her. This version of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” with Leslie Odom Jr. gives you an example of what you’ll find on her new album, Songs for the Season:

That’s it from me. Join us again tomorrow for the Virtual Advent Tour. And if you want to join in with the writing of posts, drop me a line in the comments and we’ll find you a date that works.

Category: arts,christmas/holiday season. There is/are 2 Comments.



What a wonderful way to share Christmas–via music. How wonderful to have grown up with your dad’s “Christmas Mixes.” I keep making them and listening to them, especially as we get closer to Christmas. However, I start practicing Christmas Carols and songs on the Yamaha “Grand Piano” Keyboard as soon as the Thanksgiving turkey are made up into leftovers.
Once again, thanks so much for hosting this tour.

Do you need someone for Thursday, December 14th? I have plenty of material! Sign me up and let me know if you would like me to. Or another day. Thanks! Judith

Comment by Judith 12.03.18 @ 5:55 pm

Oh, that is a cool take on Baby It’s Cold Outside, but I like the original better. But Ingrid Michaelson’s rendition of All I Want for Christmas is lovely!

Comment by Jo Kay 12.09.18 @ 1:51 pm