The Carpenters and Christmas music is truly a glorious match made in heaven. And as Richard Carpenter mentioned in the new book, Carpenters: The Musical Legacy, "We felt we were born to perform Christmas music," also adding that Karen, "was always in the Christmas spirit." They released two Christmas albums, Christmas Portrait in 1978 (which surpassed 500,000 sales that same year) and An Old-Fashioned Christmas in 1984, just one year after Karen's passing. Many of you may even know them best or have discovered them first from their Christmas music.
Does anyone else miss the corny, yet charming Christmas specials of years past that they just don't seem to make anymore? Well, you're in luck...Richard and Karen have two of their very own Christmas TV specials (which I admit to watching several times on YouTube!). If you haven't seen these specials, I encourage you to go watch The Carpenters at Christmas (1977) and The Carpenters: A Christmas Portrait (1978). You'll also see some familiar faces too, including one of my favorites, the amazingly-talented Gene Kelly!
Their music has been part of my own Christmas traditions for the past 18 years. Right after Halloween is over, their albums are the first of the Christmas tunes I will play, and then, weeks later, I start incorporating the rest of my favorites! The Carpenters' Christmas music wraps me up in comfort and nostalgia, just like a warm blanket, fireside. It hits home in a "million ways," connecting me to joy, hope, love, longing, and childlike wonder.
I think back on my childhood memories of Christmas, which were always filled with delicious food and joyful family gatherings. These days, the gatherings are much smaller, and I've lost a lot of family over the years, including three grandparents. My paternal grandmother, who I just lost this past July, absolutely loved Christmas, so I am heartbroken that she won't be with us this year to celebrate, although I believe she'll always be with us in spirit. It's just not the same though. I'm grateful to still have my maternal grandmother, and Christmas is special time for her as well. She misses and longs for those big family gatherings too!
The Carpenters' rendition of Home for the Holidays brings me all the cozy holiday feels. With Karen providing the lead vocals, accompanied by choral background vocals, she sings about the comfort of being "home sweet home" with your family and friends, where you can be "happy in a million ways." They certainly weren't the first to sing this holiday classic (Perry Como introduced it in 1955), but because of the genuine warmth and happiness of Karen's voice, this version will always be my favorite!
Recording my vocals, I'll admit, was intimidating, as I had some big magical shoes to fill. What I hope I was able to capture was that warmth that Karen brought as I connected to my own Christmas memories of home and family, and the extra joy I feel around the holidays!
What are some of your favorite joyful memories of being "home for the holidays"?
Shine on, friends!
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