December 2005 Newsletter


"I heard the bells on Christmas Day.
Their old familiar carols play.
And wild and sweet the words repeat.
Of peace on earth goodwill to men."

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Christmastime is here! I always feel like a little kid again this time of year. I still get a thrill seeing those presents under the tree beckoning "open me!" I still get a kick out of stringing the lights outside - even though it's become an all-day-event resulting in a light show that puts the MGM Grand to shame. But, that I was married on Christmas makes this time even more special to me - it adds yet another occasion to celebrate.

All of the traditions that we observe each year help us to remember that wherever we are, we're home as long as our friends and loved ones are with us. Here are a few of the traditions we observe in my household:

1) Disneyland!
Every year, my wife and I go to Disneyland at Christmastime - the park looks really cool, especially when it "snows" on Main Street. We always start at "Pirates" and "Haunted Mansion" and go from there wherever our feet take us.

2) Crustacean Christmas Dinner
We're usually sick of turkey and ham by now, so we like to have stuff like lobster bisque and crab-legs for Christmas dinner. This year, I hope to add sushi to the menu :)

3) The great Christmas Tree Hunt
We are very particular about the Christmas Tree. It's not uncommon for us to go to two or three lots to get "The Perfect Tree." (5 lots this year! a new record) Not too short, not too fat around the base, not too Charlie-Brownish. And we name our tree - you know, things like "Haberdasher" or "Beauregard" - is that weird?

I could go on for days about all the goofy stuff we do every year - it's all in good fun and holiday cheer!

Looking over last years December newsletter, I had to laugh. I was threatening another Jingle Brass CD - well, that didn't happen. And it probably won't, at least not until after we tackle a couple of other genres. But, until that time, enjoy these new Christmas recordings from a recent rehearsal. They aren't perfect, but "it's the thought that counts!", right?

Merry Christmas!

- Karl Soukup, Proprietor