I haven’t been able to get into the Christmas spirit this year, which is strange for me. Maybe it’s because we didn’t decorate the apartment until yesterday. Or, possibly it’s because it hasn’t snowed enough yet. Either way, I haven’t even blasted holiday music around the apartment (shocker!).
All that changed this Friday when I saw the New York Pops performance of “John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey Wish You a Swingin’ Christmas.” Putting a twist on the holiday classics we know and love with so much energy and prowess, I couldn’t help but smile. It was a rare and special treat to be seated in the audience at Carnegie Hall for the first time.
The New York Pops performed a truly touching performance of “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” intertwined with “Seasons of Love.” Pizzarelli sang powerfully the part of “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” while his wife, Molaskey sang “Seasons of Love.”
When I’m worried and I can’t sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
I’m sure I’ve heard this song at some point in my life, but for some reason the words struck me on Friday. Maybe this is why I haven’t been in the holiday spirit. I’m constantly worried of the future and (sad to admit) money. Will my freelance checks come in on time? How can I sustain a career as a journalist? On an extremely limited budget, it’s sometimes hard to find holiday cheer. But, Friday’s concert made everything clear:
Why don’t we count our blessings instead of sheep? We all have so much to be thankful for, why don’t we remember this on a nightly basis?
When times are hard it becomes more and more difficult to find faith and actually count your blessings. I really am so blessed. To be able to live in Brooklyn with amazing roommates who are my best friends, to be perusing my dream career and, most importantly, to be surrounded by happy and healthy friends and family. Instead of spending time worrying about things, this holiday season I will be counting my blessings.
What are you thankful for this holiday season?
