Favorite Traditions
My daughter had a school assignment the other day (they’re writing more—a good thing) where she had to describe “with meaningful details” her favorite family tradition during the holidays. I suggested the candlelight service at our church on Christmas Eve. (I love the prayerful singing and the soft glow from hundreds of tiny flames.) She immediately discounted that idea to remind me of my brother’s annual brunch where she gets to see all her cousins and have “Uncle Danny’s pizzelles” (Italian waffle cookies). The brunch is fun, and I love being with my family for these eating festivals, but my favorite part is the rousing sing-a-longs that follow. As my mother used to say, “It’s a shame I can’t sing because I really like to,” which pretty much explains Doherty singing. Aside from in-laws and a rare offspring, most of us cannot carry a tune, but what we lack in tone, we make up for in enthusiasm. Our singing is loud, off-key, and full of laughter and drama. So, whatever your favorite traditions may be, may you enjoy them wholeheartedly with loved ones. For lyrics to four songs, check: 
Winter Winter Wonderland: Sleigh-bells ring, are you list’nin? In the lane, snow is glistnin’; A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland! Gone away is the blue bird, here to stay is a new bird; He sings a love song, as we go along. Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland! In the meadow, we can build a snowman, then pretend that he is Parson Brown; He’ll say, “Are you married?” We’ll say, “No, man! But you can do the job while you’re in town.” Later on, we’ll conspire, as we dream by the fire, to face unafraid, the plans that we made. Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland!
Jingle Bell Rock: Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock. Jingle bell swing and jingle bell ring. Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun. Now the jingle bell hop has begun. Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock. Jingle bells chime and jingle bell time. Danc’n and pranc’n in jingle bell square, in the frosty air. What a bright time, it’s the right time. To rock the night away. Jingle bell time, is a swell time; To go riding in a one-horse sleigh. Giddy up, jingle horse pick up your feet. Jingle around the clock. Mix and mingle in a jingl’n beat. That’s the jingle bell rock. Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock. Jingle bell swing and jingle bell ring. Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun. Now the jingle bell hop has begun. Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock. Jingle bells chime and jingle bell time. Danc’n and pranc’n in jingle bell square, in the frosty air. What a bright time, it’s the right time. To rock the night away. Jingle bell time, is a swell time; To go riding in a one-horse sleigh. Giddy up, jingle horse pick up your feet. Jingle around the clock. Sleigh bells ring’n with a jingl’n beat. Old Chris Kringle is a stomp’n his feet. That the jingle bell, that’s the jingle bell, that’s the jingle bell rock!
Frosty the Snowman: Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul. With a corncob pipe and a button nose, and two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say; He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day. There must’ve been some magic in that old silk hat they found, for when they placed it on his head, he began to dance around. Oh, Frosty the snowman was alive as he could be. And the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and me. Frosty the snowman knew the sun was hot that day. So he said, “Let’s run and we’ll have some fun now before I melt away.” Down to the village, with a broomstick in his hand, running here and there all around the square, sayin’ catch me if you can. He led them down the streets of town right to the traffic cop. And he only paused a moment when he heard him holler, “STOP!” For Frosty the snowman had to hurry on his way, but he waved good-bye sayin, “Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again someday.” Thumpety thump thump. Thumpety thump thump. Look at Frosty go. Thumpety thump thump. Thumpety thump thump. Over the hills of snow.
Twelve Days of Christmas: A partridge in a Pear Tree, 2 Turtle Doves, 3 French Hens, 4 Calling Birds, 5 Golden Rings, 6 Geese A-laying, 7 Swans A-swimming, 8 Maids A-milking, 9 Ladies Dancing, 10 Lords A-leaping, 11 Pipers Piping, 12 Drummers Drumming.