<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: inherit; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table; "><tbody style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><tr style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table-row; vertical-align: inherit; "><td valign="top" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: table-cell; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font: inherit; "> Hello Jazz Matrix, It's me again. I have questions for you..... Is it too early to be talking about Christmas? After all we haven't even gotten to Thanksgiving yet. Well, I asked the question because, I'm already in the holiday mood, and believe me, Christmas will be here sooner than we think. I also pose the question because, I would like to hear some feedback. What do you usually do for Christmas, what are your traditions? Do you usually go out of town or do you usually host quests from out of town? Do you prepare a traditional meal, what would it usually include on the menu? Do you gather around the fireplace, to sing Christmas carols, or do you go out and sing in your neighborhoods? Do you attend Charity balls, or donate to your favorite charity this time of year? Which one is your favorite to donate to? Do you play the traditional holiday music, and do you attend Christmas plays, at your child's school, or at a local church? You might wonder why I am asking these questions. I am sure you are thinking to yourself that it is "really none of my business." First of all, I am just curious, and I am also looking for suggestions, so that I can find new ways to celebrate the holiday season. Sometimes it's fun and more interesting when you depart from the traditions of your youth during the holidays. Changing some things during the holidays can actually bring more joy, and love into the season. For the last two years, I have traveled out of town to North Carolina to spend Christmas with my twin brother and his family. It does my heart good, to see my children having fun with their cousins. I always bake a Red velvet cake and we sing happy birthday to Jesus on Christmas morning, and have a devotional time, just before any presents are opened. Why is it always a Red Velvet cake, well, for me, it depicts the reason for the season. I celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. I know that many others see this time of year quite differently than I do. It is also a time of sadness for many and I recognize that. Christmas is bitter sweet for me as well, because I used to celebrate it with my mom, when she was still living. I can't drink a cup of eggnog without thinking of her. When she tasted her first cup of eggnog to bring in the season, she would always say, "ummm... it just tastes like Christmas." My brother and I really enjoy listening to Jazz music while we work in the kitchen preparing dinner on Christmas morning. Last year we listened to Vanessa Williams Christmas CD, and also Brian O'Neal Christmas album. This year, I am going to surprise him with some new Christmas Jazz music. I'll be bringing a new CD with me on this years trip. You all know this artist, he is a member here on Jazz Matrix, and he will be releasing a new Smooth Jazz Christmas CD. He has his own record label, and has produced and published 4 CD's in his portfolio. Luther B is the artist, for all artists. His smooth piano notes are a delight to the ears. You will enjoy new arrangements of traditional Christmas songs on this CD. My favorite song from Luther's Christmas CD, is "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", in fact you can listen to it right now, from my profile, as well as "Sing Ye Noel." His new Christmas CD will be ready for release, soon and I hope that you will include it in your holiday music this season. What ever your plans are for this season, always reflect on the good things that have happened to you this year, because there are so many unfortunate situations in our world today, that have affected people that we know and love. Do what ever you can to make this season more of a blessing to those in need. Remember, it is always better to give than to receive. God Bless you all, Michelle_Mickey
