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December 2004
Creating a Musical Legacy
Mrs. Donna - North Canton
“Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...” The melody line floats from fiddle to guitar to banjo. Young cousins can’t keep their feet still. Mandolin sings its metered descant while the bass fiddle thumps in perfect time. Mommy and Grandma join in the song and dance. Sweet harmonies resonate and mix with the soft crackling of the flames in the fireplace. Laughter and dancing fill the room.
A picture of days long ago? Actually, this is a scene from our recent family gathering.
With the children in bed, my cousins and I stayed up late, reveling in our time together. “Do you realize how fortunate our children are? Dancing to live music in our living room is a normal activity. They don’t realize that some children never have this opportunity.”
 Today, our children are reaping the benefits of a rich musical heritage. Holidays are extra-special because of the JOY we share in music. I feel confident that one day our children’s children will know it, too. May it be so from generation to generation!
How did my family and I grow to value music making? We had parents who sang to us. And they had parents who sang to them. You see, there’s a spirit to live music-making that just can’t compare to anything else in life. Something special happens between those who share music together. (You’ve experienced this with your little ones at WeJoySing.) This is how musical traditions are established.
 If you’re thinking, “I can’t sing or play an instrument.” Take heart. You might just surprise yourself and your family with what you can do to begin meaningful holiday traditions that include live music-making. You don’t need to have a full band in your living room to provide a memorable musical experience. Consider some of the ideas below and begin to create a musical legacy that will impact your family for generations to come.
- Together, make jingle bell bracelets (jingle bells and yarn), then sing some jingle-jangle holiday songs. Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, Winter Wonderland, or Joy to the World.
- Sing a blessing before the holiday meal. Make up your own tune or sing a traditional grace.
- Burn off some calories with the Hokey Pokey or the Chicken Dance!
- Ask Grandpa about his favorite holiday song. He might be honored to sing it to the family!
- Invite a musician - a family member or friend - to bring an instrument to your gathering. They could play a few songs or lead a sing-along.
- Don’t worry, even if Aunt Ethel sings off-key, she'll still be helping to create family memories that are more interesting than, say, watching her nap in front of the television!
 A note from Mrs. Jo–
What are holiday memories made of? Sharing time together. Stories around the dinner table, playing games, singing... This holiday season, no matter what your family celebration, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza... Take TIME to share what is truly important in life: YOURSELF. And, of course, ENJOY making music part of YOUR family’s tradition.
May God bless your family as you SING through the holiday season.
"Sing"cerely,
Mrs. Jo
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