Here’s a sweeeet version of my all-time favorite Christmas song: Joni Mitchell’s “River,” performed here by James Taylor. This is that one bittersweet melody that always makes me stop what I’m doing, and just listen. What’s your favorite Christmas song, and why?
May your days be merry and bright. Happy Holidays from Fiddlefreak!


A Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis by Tom Waits
I consider it one of the best songs period. So, of course, it also has to be high up there in the Christmas song list as well.
I’m not lobbying for its inclusion in caroling lists or in candlelight services. But the Christmas story’s been told 10 million times. Nice to have a fresh twist once in a while and a little modern reality reflected in music. Not as much reality as “gangsta rap”, mind you. I can wall myself off from that sewer, but no one can insulate themselves completely from duplicity, manipulation, dreams, disappointment, failure, etc., etc.