Good Morning! (Posting late Xmas eve so I don't have to worry about it in the am.)

I hope this Christmas finds you well, with friends, family, and whatever else it is that you want in abundance in your home this year.

It's been a tumultuous 2010 around these parts, but last night everyone was healthy and happy and we celebrated another traditional Cuban Christmas. Today we're off to the other side of the family for the Italian traditions....so enjoy whatever it is that makes it Christmas for you.

Among the many things that make it Christmas for me is the music. As the son and grandson of working musicians, there has always been music in the house. Even working in retail, with incessant music starting from Veteran's Day...it's still some of my favorite stuff to listen to.

We all have our likes and dislikes, and Mr. McCartney notwithstanding, there's one song that actually irritates me more, and has since I was a wee lad. So I'll post my favorite Christmas song from my favorite Christmas album below...followed by the one that endlessly irritates me.

As a bonus, check out the inspired performance from Mr. Bunny Briggs at the Grace Cathedral, circa 1965. It's from Duke Ellington's "First Sacred Concert". Although not Christmas music per se, a local radio station always plays the 3 sacred concerts during Christmas week, so it's got that attachment for me. If you've never heard them before, I highly recommend you check them out.

Happy Christmas, everyone!