Why holiday notes are even better than cards

Linda Sappenfield — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:53:00 GMT

This time of year, surprises should arrive tied with a bow or layered in a tin with other similarly delectable items. As for the other kind of eye-opener (say, the dawning realization that the updated flower bed shape doesn't fit our Christmas lights like the old one), those can be difficult to appreciate.

My mood began trending upward, however, when the workaround proved to look okay. All was calm and bright until our neighbor strolled over, observing that he and his wife had been discussing the new landscaping and were "worried" about it.

These are fantastic neighbors, the kind whose opinion matters. My spirits already threatened to sag before he finished, "...because it looks like you're staging your house to sell."

We're not; as I explained, but we did need to vanquish the encroaching mess of shrubbery that we'd dubbed The Fortress of Green. As it turns out, there are worse things than being advised that one's departure from the neighborhood would be regrettable.

Here's the moral of that story: Moods can turn on a dime. So don't wait until you're feeling the holiday spirit to embark upon seasonal tasks. Give yourself permission to grumble as you drag boxes down from the attic or pout as you untangle strings of lights. By the time good cheer inhabits your soul, you'll celebrate it even more in a festive setting.

Better yet, tune into music guaranteed to energize, inspire, or instantly improve your day. In search of a can't-miss slate of tunes for just this purpose, I asked around for "absolute favorite tunes, holiday or not, that you'd recommend for a day-brightening mix."

And, thanks to library staffers Kate, Theresa, Linda C, Elaine T, Eric, Mary, Candy, Chris, Chip, Joe, Pat M, David, and our friend Shannon from the City's Communication Division, we're offering this lineup almost certain to include some of your favorites. We call it

The Round Rock Public Library Holiday/Everyday Playlist

"What a Wonderful World" sung by Willie Nelson
"Linus and Lucy" by the Vince Guaraldi Trio
"Skating" by the Vince Guaraldi Trio
Handel's Messiah - "Hallelujah Chorus"
"Stormy Monday" by The Allman Brothers Band
"River" by Joni Mitchell
"Messages" by Xavier Rudd
"Christmas Don't Be Late" by Alvin and the Chipmunks
"I Was Made For Sunny Days" by The Weepies
"Simple Gifts" by Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss
"St. Thomas" by Sonny Rollins
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by Charlie Daniels Band
"What A Wonderful World" sung by Louis Armstrong
"Where were You When the World Stopped Turning" by Alan Jackson
"The Lord's Prayer" sung by Andy Williams
"Christmas Time is Here" by the Vince Guaraldi Trio
"Sleigh Ride" (instrumental) by Leroy Anderson
"Java" by Al Hirt

Reader's Exchange : Playlist, Readers Exchange

Why holiday notes are even better than cards