Favourite Things
December 24, 2008
Favourite Things
By Ev Bishop
First published in the Terrace Standard, December 24th, 2008
When I was eleven-ish, one of my favourite songs to sing at Pioneer Girls (a kids’ club I went to at the Alliance church) was “My Favourite Things.” You know, the one from The Sound of Music—“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens….”
It wasn’t really a Christmas song per se, but to me it always conjured Christmassy images, and I don’t know if my little sister remembers this or not, but I always used to try to cajole her into singing it with me or for me. However, there are some songs that child singers get tired of being provoked into singing over and over again. That was one of them. Apparently. Sadly.
But this week (Ellie, where are you?), I’ve really wanted to listen to it again. I will probably hunt it down on the Internet, and then drive my family crazy with it.
It’s a comforting tune, and I’ve heard a lot of sad stories lately. Of people close to me, or in my circle of acquaintance, who are suffering physically, financially (or both). Of people worried about jobs or family members. Of people who have lost loved ones…. It seems the older I get, the more my holiday memories are bittersweet—I feel gratitude so much more poignantly, if only because I’m now more familiar with loss.
When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad… could just as easily read, when the bank calls, when your heart aches, when you’re missing dad…. Or it could include any of a myriad of other things that can weigh on our minds at anytime of the year, but seem especially hard at Christmas.
The song is a good reminder that the things that cheer us, that encourage us through our lives, that bring us through the hard times are little things, are simple things—are things that maybe we take for granted until we pause and actually consider them.
I had a bit of fun rewriting the lyrics with some of my own favourite things (well, things in addition to the songs original lists which were pretty great—hence, I’m sure, its popularity!).
Small dog and old dog asleep by the fire,
hot steaming coffee and smooth paper novels,
fun daughter laughing as silly son sings…
these are a few of my favorite things.
Red fragrant flowers and long late night chatting,
black ink and felt pens and sushi, oh oodles,
wild friends that call when you need them to ring…
these are a few of my favourite things.
Wearing pyjamas with fuzzy warm slippers,
crazy rain falling while I am out walking,
e-mail messages that give my dreams wings…
these are a few of my favourite things
When the kids fight, when my life stings,
when I’m feeling sad…
I simply remember my favourite things,
and then I don’t feel so bad.
Not everything is made better by doing an exercise like this, but a lot is. Take a little time out during this busy season, especially if you’re feeling a little down or overwhelmed by life these days—maybe gather your loved ones close, or maybe steal away by yourself—and have some fun. Make a silly list of things you love and see if you can reword the song too. Then sing it loud and proud.
I used to worry that finding joy or comfort in seemingly trivial moments, activities, or possessions was shallow of me, that maybe in the context of bigger struggles, it was somehow a failing that I could be “distracted” by these little “favourite things.”
These days, I feel differently. Gratitude goes an amazing distance in helping you through tough times. The little things that spark a smile or a good memory can save your life—or your sanity at least. Now I consider them gifts from God, a reminder that in the hard times, the struggling times, good things exist too. I’m happy when I recognize them.
Whether your holidays have thus far been merry and bright, or more like going into a dark night, I wish you comfort and joy and hang-in there power.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.
