“Chestnut[s]” Roasting on An Open Fire

Music is scientifically proven to boost mood, prompt relaxation, ease pain, and combat feelings of isolation and depression. Perhaps, then, it comes as no surprise that music plays a particularly powerful role defining and solidifying memories during the holiday season. Indeed, classic Christmas songs have been known to harken fond reveries and warm the cockles of many a December-chilled heart.

Take this well-loved favorite, for instance:

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.”

Doesn’t that just prompt your stress to melt away and make you feel good?

Each December I eagerly anticipate rediscovering the music that ushers in the magic of the season. A good Christmas song feels like cozying up to a warm, gently crackling fireplace, brightening your world and sending joy coursing through your veins. Listening to my favorite holiday tunes brings back fond memories of childhood and cultivates a renewed sense of hopeful optimism in my everyday interactions.

For example, the other day I was watching tv when a commercial caught my attention.

The ad—for Campbell’s Soup of all things—stopped me in my tracks, not because of its cheery ambiance or my fondness for green bean casserole[1], but rather for its intentional use of music to capture and hold a very specific—very evocative—feeling of gratitude.

December is notoriously chaotic, and at this moment I had reached the end of a particularly busy day. Exhausted and feeling a bit out of sorts, I turned on the tv seeking a much-needed escape, and I encountered something else entirely, something I didn’t know I needed: A welcomed reminder for perspective and gratitude.

The commercial isn’t particularly flashy or fancy, but the song it used certainly piqued my interest. While various images of green bean casseroles flashed across the screen, Bing Crosby crooned “I’ve Got Plenty To Be Thankful For[2]” and made me pause for a moment of true contemplative thanksgiving.

The lyrics were simple, but the effect was monumental:

“I’ve got plenty to be thankful for
I haven’t got a great big yacht
To sail from shore to shore
Still I’ve got plenty to be thankful for

I’ve got plenty to be thankful for
No private car, no caviar
No carpet on my floor
Still I’ve got plenty to be thankful for.

I’ve got eyes to see with
Ears to hear with
Arms to hug with
Lips to kiss with
Someone to adore.

How could anybody ask for more?
My needs are small, I buy ’em all
At the five and ten cent store
Oh, I’ve got plenty to be thankful for.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tE3lFePhZc

Instantly my sour mood transformed into a perspective of cheery optimism. Yes, my day had been long and I was exhausted, but surely I had plenty to be thankful for. In fact, a slow smile crept across my face as I continued to ruminate on this topic, realizing my small gripes and annoyances paled in comparison to my deep appreciation for the gifts and people that add color and joy to my life.

From the last minute shopping to the frantic crowds to the festive glitter, it is easy to get so wrapped up in the razzle and dazzle of the holiday season that we lose sight of the true spirit of Christmas. But Christmas isn’t defined by the carols, cards, and cookies; rather, it centers around the joy, hope, and gratitude that truly epitomize the most magical time of the year.

Inspired by this commercial, I saw it only fitting to sit down and list things that bring me joy and prompt deep personal gratitude, particularly during this holiday season. In no particular order, this Christmas, I’m thankful for…

Twinkling holiday lights that inspire magic and wonder amidst our everyday surroundings
My family and the opportunity to travel home for the holidays and revel in their company in a few short weeks
The gift of health and its profound power to make all other things possible
My warm wool socks that make me feel pampered and cuddly in all the right ways
Today’s snow; while it did complicate my morning commute, it served as a breathtaking reminder to appreciate the true majestic beauty of the season
The fact that as I write this post Cam is currently “study dancing” at our countertop bar, finding his own version of joy amidst endless hours of prepping for final exams
The Peloton community that challenges and empowers me to be better every day
Chocolate[3]
The gift of education and how it has shaped (and continues to shape) my life each and every day
Saturday Night Live and anything else that prompts me to practically pee myself with laughter[4]
The cheery, soulful ambiance of candles
My exciting new career and the dynamic team I have come to love and deeply admire
The Christmas decorations that add color and cheer to our apartment, acting as visible reminders to slow down and appreciate the magic of the holiday season
The awesome power that comes with striving to live each day to its fullest while being open to fully embrace the ambiguity of whatever comes next
https://tobesurprised.com/and the drive to uncover the extraordinary color in the seemingly ordinary world around us (live this way, and it will change everything)

Sometimes the simplest of things can warm our hearts and stir our desire to live richer, deeper lives. Music brings hope, vivacity, and perspective to the holiday season in a way few other things can.

Whether it’s “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire[5]” or “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” the sounds of the season serve as powerful reminders that we all have plenty to be thankful for.