ONE of the holiday anthems often played is the song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland. But not everyone knows the story behind this song. TIME magazine contributor, Wook Kim, wrote: “The original lyrics for this lovely holiday song—written for the 1944 musical ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’—were too depressing for the movie’s famous star and director. ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ tells the story of a close-knit family living in St. Louis in the early 1900s. The family is devastated when the father announces that they will soon be moving to New York City—the news hitting his daughters especially hard. In a memorable scene towards the end of the film, Esther (played by Judy Garland, five years after ‘The Wizard of Oz’) tries to console her younger sister Tootie (Margaret O’Brien) with a song. ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ was supposed to paint a picture of fragile hope and optimism.”
I am no “Grinch” but learning about the surprising twist behind this lovely Christmas song gave me some form of relief that I am normal. After all, there could be a reason that I somehow turn melancholic when I hear that song. The same is true for some people whose loved ones have passed on, and those who will be celebrating Christmas alone (they usually call themselves ‘loveless’ or in our native language, ‘samahan ng malalamig lang pasko’). Whatever their reasons are for not ‘having a merry little Christmas,’ it does not stop me from sharing some of the little ways other people can ignite that holiday cheer.
While many people find it hard to be excited about Christmas, many are full of reasons to celebrate and be filled with the Christmas spirit. And you can sense it in them the moment you step into their homes or get in the car. They seem to have transformed their homes into mini Christmas concerts, and their cars into Christmas-themed party vans.
In light of that, as my first tip, I suggest you listen to good Christmas songs – and there are a ton of them! Among my all-time favorites are Nat King Cole’s Christmas album, “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney, “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, “Happy Christmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon, “Frosty the Snowman”, “All I Want For Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey, “Jingle Bells”, “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay, and of course, Michael Buble’s Christmas medley.
Also, if you have satellite TV, watch the music channels as they play Christmas songs. Some people love to have Christmas songs playing in the background while they do other things, while some watch some great classic Christmas movies. Whatever tickles your Christmas fancy – go for it. Christmas is also a great time to get in touch with family and friends. Call or email friends whom you have not talked to in a while – you have a reason to now because, well, “It’s Christmas!’
If you have time and some hidden creativity that is waiting to be unleashed, decorate as much as you can with ornaments, Christmas cards, strings, ribbons, candy canes and more. You may also send out Christmas cards! Visit your neighborhood craft store and indulge yourself in making personalized Christmas cards. I speak from experience when I say these are the most effective stress relievers you can treat yourself to on the holidays. Speaking of stress, one very effective way to de-stress this holiday and make a “merry-little-happy-Christmas home” is by de-cluttering. Make sure everything is clean and uncluttered. By doing so, you feel more at peace and homey. Partner that moment with a white peppermint mocha latte and you feel like sitting on Santa’s lap with a wish list in hand.
The best way to feel the Christmas spirit is by giving. Donate your time and/or money to those in need. Think of your less fortunate relatives or that homeless person you often see across the street. Try to do something good for another person — it can be from holding the door to taping some quarters on to a vending machine with a note. And of course, give gifts! It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it would be a lot more special if you personalize it.
In closing, everyone can have a ‘merry little Christmas’ especially when you can help them have one.
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
