Christmas Away From Home
The Christmas season brings thoughts of friends and family but not everyone is able to spend the season with loved ones.
Today the Bus will be traveling far from home and down some lonely back roads. Christmas can be a lonely time for those far from friends and family. We all remember our first Christmas away from home as a young adult leaving the family home to begin our own journey. For some, including a few of my very good friends, this Christmas will be spent without a loved one for the first time in many years. The passing of a spouse or parent, the break-up of a marriage and family, or an empty house as children grow and move on, one can find themselves alone at Christmas time at any stage of life.
Perhaps no more lonely Christmas is there than those away from home and on duty. We wish the best for the soldiers around the globe and hope for their safe return.
One of the most moving of Christmas songs. Every one of us can relate to least one verse.
from the late, great Stan Rogers’ Between the Breaks...Live!
more info: stanrogers.net
buy it here
from John Prine’s A John Prine Christmas
more info: johnprine.net
buy it here
A moving commentary on our world today. "Life goes on..."
from Bah Humbug: Alternative Christmas Album (import)
more info: Loudon Wainwright III
buy it here
An especially poignant song here, as I live just across the river from Petersburg and work a stone’s throw from City Point. The sentiment is just as appropriate today.
from Julie Sanderson recorded for the benefit CD Holiday Feast, Vol. 2 (out-of-print)
more info about the heartfelt singer/songwriter Julie Sanderson: juliesanderson.com
more info about the charity Hungry for Music and their incredible CDs: hungryformusic.com
John McCutcheon's song about the Christmas Truce of 1914 reminds us that the world was once a more civil place.
from John McCutcheon’s Winter Solstice
more info: folkmusic.com
buy it here
posted by Ed at 12/18/2007 10:25:00 PM
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7 Comments:
Ed ... the McCutcheon piece is particularly apropos of this time of year ... The 'Christmas Truce' so outraged the Generals that they actually ORDERED the Command Staff to direct their men to start killing each other once again for fear that the 'fighting spirit' would be 'lost' ... wtf ... ? ... Thanks for a wonderful selection - may you and yours have a joyous and peaceful Christmas Day ...
Old Blue Bus,
This was the perfect reflection. My family just lost my Dad two months ago and we have decided to send my Mom to CA to spend the holidays with our brother's family there.
I know for us siblings that are left behind without even our Mom around it is going to be hard.
Thanks for this reflection-nice.
I echo mls' sentiments. For me it was my Mom who departed. Thanks Ed.
I know that several riders on the Bus had experienced loss this year and felt this post appropriate.
Hey Ed! thanks for Christmas in Prison - one of my very favorites. Mr. Prine sure can write some good tunes.
Have a great Christmas,
Larrytee in BG
Bowling Green, KY
Larrytee, You'll get no arguement from me!
Merry Christmas to you as well.
John Prine's "Christmas in Prison" is no doubt the most hauntingly lonely song I've ever heard. It can make you feel lonely even if you are surrounded by family and friends.
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