All I want for Christmas is the Goodyear Holiday Album

I love music and I especially love holiday music. When I was growing up in Herrin, Illinois I was very active in choir from 2nd through 12th grade. All of the music teachers in the Herrin district were excellent. We had all kinds of special choirs for various events and celebrations, but my favorite choirs were for the Christmas holiday season. We learned so many great songs and to this day I remember most all of them.

My family childhood home was also filled with music of all genres and at this time of the year (back in the 60's when I was a child) my dad would take me to town to the Goodyear tire store to purchase the Goodyear holiday album. I loved getting that album and rushing home with my dad so we could play it on the record player. The sounds of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Steve and Eydie Gorme, and many others filled our house for days and days leading up to Christmas. The arrangements were fantastic and the vocals astounding. I know this to be true as I still have these albums (scratches, skips and all) and I still play them at Christmas.

This year more than ever I play them, as this is the first Christmas since my dad died. When I put my hands on the album jackets, I see my dad holding them too; when I pull the album out and put it on the turn table and watch the arm glide over the record before it comes to a rest, I see my dad gently laying the needle on the record; when the songs start playing, I hear my dad singing. His voice, untrained, was so beautiful, smooth and easy. My dad taught me to sing. I miss him.

I wish my dad was still here; I wish Goodyear still made holiday albums; I wish my mother and family love and peace this season.

My biggest wish is that every child has someone who loves them. Someone who gives them support and guidance and treasure troves of good and happy memories that they can cherish for years to come. Love is not about materials possessions. Christmas is not about material gifts. Christmas is about being with people you love and who love you. Love will sustain you for life long after the gift is broken, forgotten or discarded.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Holidays to everyone. May you have a season filled with love and joyous memories.

Tammy