Today: Get ready to be merry.

Sometimes music tells it so much better than just regular ol’ words.  And if those words are my words, music (even the kind played by a seven-year old on a plastic recorder) would probably always tell it better.  So when I sat down to type about what’s on my pea brain, I immediately consulted Ray Charles.

If you want to know why I love the weeks leading to Christmas, he’ll tell you why… but first you need to open iTunes and download “That Spirit of Christmas.”  Or, if you’re a member of my nuclear family, press play on the DVD player (which, I will guarantee you, is already pre-loaded with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation) and fast forward to the scene where Clark is stuck in the attic, watching old family videos.

Or you could just click here:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzyDsY0IsPI&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Hmm.  Much easier.  And free-er.  Now don a green satin turban, your grandmother’s fur stole and sing along.  Mr. Charles comes in around 4:05.

All the kin folk gather round
The lovely Christmas tree
Hearts are glowing full of joy
Sense the gifts that we’re giving
And the love that we’re living
Why can’t it remain all through the year?
Each day the same
That’s what I wanna hear
I’ll tell ya,
It’s truly amazing,
That spirit of Christmas

There is quite literally no better feeling (for me) than the anticipation of everything that Christmas brings.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Continue to unpack and organize our new office
• Play Santa as Globe Santa kicks off
• Recommit to running, the Jingle Bell 5k is just two weeks away!
• You know I love it: xoxo, Gossip Girl

How do you get into the holiday spirit?  Are you blasting Christmas music yet?