You fill in the blank. It’s interesting how one particular event/feeling/moment is what really makes it feel like a certain time of year. For me, I feel like the Christmas “season” officially starts with the Farandole from Bizet’s L’Arlesienne Suite. It seems to be the traditional opener for our Celebration of Christmas concert every year.
Last night, I arrived at Maryland Hall a bit frazzled after a long day of work, driving 20 miles away to an office party in the rain, and then back down to Annapolis in rainy traffic…having a conversation with my mom on the way. I was a true “Bag Lady” as well when I walked in the door with 4 bags, an umbrella, and my water bottle. I managed to rehearse a bit, gather the proper colored undergarments that I had forgotten to bring along (black looks terrible under white!), change clothes, brighten my dead complexion with a little make-up, and get downstairs to line-up.
I was still breathing hard by the time we got on the stage, and was wondering if this was going to be another one of those Christmas Concerts that go on forever. But, as soon as I heard the beginning of the Farandole, my fuzzy brain realized, “It’s Christmas!”. Suddenly, I felt my mood brighten, and that elusive smile started to creep onto my face. As the evening went on, things that normally would annoy me just amused me. The night ended with a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells/O Come All Ye Faithful, complete with a dancing usher in the doorway. I was laughing so hard that I’m surprised I didn’t snort onstage!
Anyway, it’s always nice when the silly drama of rehearsal is over and everything is just fun, easy and pleasant…not that last night wasn’t without its own drama…but compared to Christmases past…it was a walk in the park.
I guess the next “Christmas Moment” is going to be the first chord of the Overture to Messiah…that’s always an “It’s Christmas!” moment for me as well.
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