This Christmas Eve, I loop this song to listen to for those quiet hours in the dark:

[freshwest]

Coventry Carol - Robert Shaw Chorale

The Coventry Carol is a Christmas carol dating from the 16th Century. The carol was performed in Coventry as part of a mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors. The play depicts the Christmas story from chapter two in the Gospel of Matthew. The carol refers to the Massacre of the Innocents, in which Herod orders all male infants under the age of two in Bethlehem to be killed. The lyrics of this haunting carol represent a mother's lament for her doomed child. It is the only carol that has survived from this play...
..
Listening to this has become an anuual ritual for me in the evenings of the Christmas season. Despite the meaning of the lament, it comforts me and helps me accept things. It keeps me in a quiet mood, reflecting upon what is truly important.

I had three outstanding gifts given to me today. A DUer who moved to WA state called me and wished me happy holidays. We exchanged news and good wishes for each other. Then my apartment manager came up and gave me my packages, a birthday card and some Christmas candy. And the sun came out this morning and it has been shining for the entire day.

Happy Holidays to all!

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

1. Beautiful!

Merry Christmas & happy holidays to you

[freshwest]

2. Thanks, Liberal Jesus Freak. Same to you. n/t

[Warpy]

3. I love early music, too, and much of it was church music played in the king's court, not in church

This is my fave this time of year, done much how Elizabeth might have heard it in her court on Christmas day. You might like it, also, once tomorrow arrives. The mood is starkly different.

[Isoldeblue]

6. Just lovely! This fills me

with hope and comfort.

[cilla4progress]

4. Is this New England?

Your home? Lovely! Little snow here, in WA state...

[freshwest]

7. Nope, that's the Old Sod itself. And I live in a studio four floors above the street in WA state.

But I've lived in other parts of the USA that had snow and some areas in WA with a lot of snow. I've taken a lot of pictures in WA of it, but don't post them online for obvious reasons.

I just don't 'do' snow anymore. First sign, I'm inside. Because I can't take it physically anymore, although I love to see it drifiing around.

Have a great holiday, cilla4progress!

[cilla4progress]

13. Thanks!

[Isoldeblue]

5. This is truly wonderful to

listen to! I can see how it would comfort you and give meaning to our lives. My reaction is similar, listening to it quietly, it centers me, allowing me to be in a calm place. Thanks for sharing this Freshwest.
I send you my warmest thoughts for a lovely holiday, friend.

[freshwest]

8. Thanks for letting me know it effects you the same way. And have a great week! n/t

[Isoldeblue]

9. You too, fw....

BOG pal -

[IrishAyes]

18. I can't imagine anyone not moved by this carol.

Thanks for sharing it and the background. Older music has always been a special comfort for me. You can imagine how I love listening to Joan Baez.

[stillwaiting]

10. Lovely, Lovely Lovely

If you like this you may like the John Rutter albums.

Cambridge Singers Christmas Album:

http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Singers-Christmas-Album-Rutter/dp/B0000DJEOL/ref=pd_sim_m_1

John Rutter Christmas album:

http://www.amazon.com/The-John-Rutter-Christmas-Album/dp/B00006JJ4T/ref=pd_sim_m_1

They are both wonderful and are very centering for me during the holidays.

Happy Holidays to you as well!!

[catbyte]

11. Thank you for that, freshwest.

[sheshe2]

12. It gives one a sense of peace and quite joy. Beautiful music freshwest~

You can close your eyes and drift away....

Three gifts. All precious and well deserved.

“And, in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love you make.”

freshwest, Merry Christmas~

[freshwest]

14. A little more music - Bo Inspects the 2012 White House Christmas Holiday Decorations!

[Mira]

15. Your entire post is a gift and I thank you.

The photograph is stunningly beautiful. Perfect.
And the music tenses my entire being appreciating its glorious perfection.

Merry Christmas!

[Cha]

16. Mahalo, freshwest.. glad

I saw your post.. I was missing it.

Beautiful music, fresh... very soothing.. thank you for sharing it with us.

That's an awesome photo of a home in the winter time.

Happy Holidays to you, freshwest and so happy you got your Sunshine in Seattle!

[Cha]

17. This is true for me..

http://theobamadiary.com/2013/12/25/happy-christmas-tod/#comments