Years ago, when I studied in France, there was no foreign exchange program directly through my college, so I went overseas with a group of students from Pella, Iowa.  I still remember the first time we toured the region of Normandy. At some point, someone started singing a song. Slowly, everyone on the bus joined in. I don’t remember the exact song we sang –  it was a folk song —  but I found it rather remarkable that we all knew all the words, even though we grew up hundreds of miles apart.

With the expansion of access to media through more TV channels, radio stations, the internet, video, music apps, and more, in some ways, it would not be so surprising now,  On the other hand, perhaps because of the explosion of options and musical genres, it might be even more surprising that we’d know all the words to one song.

But there remains one variety of music that has such universal appeal and acceptance that most people are familiar with most of the words: holiday music. 

I admit I’m not thrilled to be serenaded by it in October, while I’m shopping for Halloween Candy, but around this time of year it puts me in the holiday spirit. It also brings people together. as they gather to perform, or simply raise their voices in celebration, or listen in appreciation.

This evening, as I write this, I’m watching the TV special from Rockefeller Center. Throughout the evening, the cameras scan the crowd showing members of the audience singing along with the performers. At one point, Harry Conick, Jr.  asked the crowd gathered for the performances and tree lighting to join him in song. Although the song was religious in nature, regardless of their politics, gender, nationality, musical preferences, and even religion, the crowd came together… in song.

In these challenging times, it’s wonderful to have music–the music of the season — to encourage unity among us.

Originally published in the December 2, 2021 issue of Beyond the Nest, a free weekly newsletter of Arts, Culture and Recreation.