Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
Yes, Virginia, when I was your age, I believed in Santa – then I questioned – and then I did not believe for a long time – but I was older when I realized Santa Claus is real.
Yes, Virginia, we link Santa Claus to a Christian holiday, but because of Santa, many celebrate Christmas who aren’t Christians.
Yes, Virginia, Santa is important because he is a spirit for all of humanity. He’s not White, Black, Hispanic, or Asian … He may be all of those or whoever someone wants him to be because Santa is for everyone.
Yes, Virginia, we link Santa Claus to St. Nicholas (a Christian saint), but the gift of giving and kindness is important to not just to Christians, but to Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Hindus, Atheists, Agnostics, Secular Humanists, and all the religions of all the people throughout the big, wonderful world.
Yes, Virginia, some loudly complain about a war on Christmas, buy they do not give Santa much credit.
Yes, Virginia, in the spirit of Santa Claus, I want to give gifts to my readers and anyone who visits this post because I believe there are so many good people throughout the world – and kindness is something all of us have in common.
Yes, Virginia, I want anyone to take as many gifts under this tree as the they want – as long as they tell me in a comment – and they can return as often as they want for more! Yes Virginia, giving is important.
To my fellow Christian friends, Merry Christmas – and we also know what else we are celebrating – and that is important to us to remember.
To all, may the spirit kindness of the holiday season touch each of you … and thanks for all of your doses of Santa kindness that you deliver to my little corner of the world throughout the year and in the time to come.
Yes, Virginia, Santa is about Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All!
Many of us are grown up now, but Michael Buble shares a Grown Up Christmas List through clips of classic movies about the holidays.
.
This Bing Crosby classic song is a wonderful tradition.
.
Lights are one of the joys of the season, so here’s a house serving as a background to an acoustic guitar version of The First Noel by Trans Siberian Orchestra
.
Several years ago, Lynn (Composer in the Garden) wrote Father Time, and this is a good opportunity to share her spirit of the season.
.
To many, handbells are a sound of the season. Here is a fast-paced version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen with interesting techniques that our choir is playing Christmas Eve. (Start at 1:15 in the video)
.
Here’s some Christmas flavor from a local legend. Like her famous nephew George, the late Rosemary Clooney’s roots are Cincinnati. Her Christmas Mem’ries will rekindle your memories.
.
I find Where Are You Christmas? by The Piano Guys to be special music that is fitting for this post.
.
… and their Carol of the Bells is outstanding.
.
For the dancers in the crowd, a spin around the floor to the Christmas Waltz promises to deliver smiles.
.
A post like this must include on piece of humor, thus so cheers to the Star Trek spin on a holiday favorite.
.
A Fire for You (John Boswell) delivers beautiful music to for the Winter Solstice and the season.
.
The universe is a spectacular place, and its wonders continue to amaze me. Enjoy a trip through the universe through the Hubble telescope accompanied by a piano version of Oh Holy Night.
.
Manheim Steamroller’s version of Silent Night is not only one of my favorite joys of the season, it is also very calming and accompanied by beautiful images.
.
For those wanting to celebrate the sounds of Christmas through voices, Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins are wonderful together … and yes Virginia, I believe.
Merry Christmas Frank.
LikeLike
Al,
Merry Christmas to you on this Christmas Eve.
LikeLike
Merry Christmas, Frank! Loved the Captain Picard video, and the one from the Hubble telescope made me cry.
LikeLike
Angela!!!!!
Seeing you up and around is a gift in itself! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
PS: There’s still something with your name on it over at https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2013/12/21/on-the-afa-holiday-gift-basket/. 😉
LikeLike
Oh, I played the game wrong the other night and didn’t click on my name. LOVE the ear buds with the arrow through the head. Anything from the Onion is the best gift ever!
Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
I was picture you with them while running! 🙂
LikeLike
My running friends will love them!
LikeLike
Cheers to them as well!
LikeLike
Ah, Frank, thanks for the shout out for “Father Christmas” – unexpected and appreciated! Have a wonderful and merry holiday, my friend!
LikeLike
Lynn,
Unexpected and appreciated surprises are good .. and I was hoping you would see this! Best of holiday wishes to you and yours!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas Frank. It’s a but hard for me to watch videos on my phone but nice selection.
LikeLike
Lame,
That’s understandable …hope you came back when you are on different hardware. Merry Christmas to you and your family out on the west coast … and yes … to Thurber as well.
LikeLike
Thurber says, “Woof!”
LikeLike
He’s obvious impressed that I remembered him! … That’s a good boy!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas to you, Frank, and to all the regulars and irregulars.
That was a good bell choir rendition up there.
LikeLike
Jim.
I believe that bell choir is an audition group … but not sure … However, that is the best rendition I could find of this arrangement. Merry Christmas to you, Melanie, and your family!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas from one of variable faith who nevertheless loves the holiday! All the best to you and yours.
LikeLike
Deborah,
Many thanks for your greeting .. and also thanks for being an example of what I was trying to see. … and did you have a favorite video? Best of holiday wishes to you.
LikeLike
One song that I keep thinking of when I hear all the controversy over Jesus — who, according to Fox News was white is the one I will link to below. Thank you for all of these songs, Frank. Some of my favorites that I will listen to when John leaves the room 😉
LikeLike
Elyse,
That is a beautiful song with a message, so I can see why it resonates with you .. .and I must admit, it’s a song that I didn’t know until now. … Meanwhile, let me know your favorite video!
LikeLike
I know a song you don’t? It was on one of our favorite Christmas albums — Andy Williams. I have been thinking of it so much this year, after the whole Jesus and Santa are white, get over it saga. As a kid, I never believed in Santa. But I did believe that everybody saw Jesus looking like themselves (only male 😉 ).
I still have to listen to these songs — I think the Rosemary Clooney one is new to me.
LikeLike
Ha ha ha … so let’s make it a Ho ho ho for the season. Yep – I didn’t know that one. Merry Christmas to you and your entire family … and if I recall, someone is receiving a gift from The Onion Store. Anxious to hear about it.
LikeLike
I’m going with Bing. My second favorite of his Christmas songs.
Merry Christmas to you, Right Angle and to the rest of your families. The insanity will begin as I get off work at 3 …
LikeLike
It’s always a good choice. Cheers to the insanity of the season for the joy it brings. 🙂 Thanks for being one of the best!
LikeLike
And you Frank. Now I have more Irish cream to make…
LikeLike
… and thank you for that as well!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas to my new blogging friend. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
LikeLike
Catherine,
Thank you … and Merry Christmas to you and your family …. did you have a favorite video?
LikeLike
Silent Night, I was never a Bing Crosby fan. I’ve actually heard that he hated Christmas, which is ironic.
LikeLike
Good choice … love the version and the visuals in that video.
LikeLike
Merry Christmas Frank! The party was a smash and very very creative on your part! The Christmas music is wonderful and I loved them all. Big Christmas hugs to you and yours!
LikeLike
Jackie,
I’m glad you had the time to attend the holiday party, and I’m sure you are using that creative journal. 🙂 Music plays such a role in Christmas season … and with videos, one can add much to the music. Glad you enjoyed them .. Merry Christmas to you … and stay warm up there in Calgary!
LikeLike
I still believe in Santa Claus, and I always will.
Merry Christmas
PS- Hope Santa brings some postseason fun to Cincy.
LikeLike
Cayman,
Cheers to another believer in Santa Claus … thus more evidence for Virginia.
Bengals haven’t won a playoff game in over 20 years, so we’re due . and love to see that happen for Marvin. Injuries are piling up here, then again, that’s part of the game.
Merry Christmas to you!
LikeLike
A beautiful post Frank.
I can’t imagine you don’t know this, but perhaps people in your comments might enjoy the original “Yes Virginia…” letter from the NY Sun, reassuring little Virginia about the existence of Santa.
http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/
Merry Christmas to all the Angles, everywhere.
LikeLike
Guapo,
That letter inspired this post as I tried to do it in a different way. Thanks for the link. Now I can’t believe I didn’t think of posting a video of those words … now you inspired me to find one … Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
aFA…Happy Christmas Eve from Portland Oregon where flipflops, shorts and SHADES are in fashion!! My favourite video: it would have to be the Piano Guys “Where Are You Christmas”. I think you introduced me to the Piano Guys videos, aFA and I’m returning the favour by sending you ALL OF ME by Piano Guy Jon Schmidt with a promise to play it for you on my own piano should you and the Mrs. ever grace our City of Roses http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fAZIQ-vpdw Here’s to believing….
LikeLike
Raye,
That’s a Piano Guys piece I didn’t know … and it’s not only wonderful, we here would love to hear you play in person on a visit to the City of Roses … and we would be all smiles as well! … Many thanks for the cheer and for believing. Merry Christmas to you for Cincinnati and its cold temps in the teens and 20s.
LikeLike
Cheers on Christmas Eve, aFA!! Coffee pot is always on…door is always open!! Happy Christmas. Raye
LikeLike
🙂 … and I think you will like this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRqjFcP_aw0
LikeLike
Well! That did it! It is only half-past six (a.m.) and tears are streaming down my face….my Mother lived most of her life listening to me practice and play the piano….she would have loved this piece and I know she is smiling…through tears like mine. xxooxRaye
LikeLike
Tears can be good or bad, but in this case I’m going with the good. Now get back to smiling!
LikeLike
Done!
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Hi Frank!
I watched the 1st video & happy that I did. I love the smooth transition from one clip to another.
Merry Christmas Eve eve 😉
LikeLike
RoSy,
White Christmas is a classic and will be around for many years to come. Please feel to return to watch more. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas!!!!!!
LikeLike
E.E.,
Thanks for the special gift of receiving a holiday greeting from a first timer here. Merry Christmas to you!
LikeLike
A very Merry Christmas to you Frank and to your family… and yes Virginia Frank has said the words now you better believe it or the Bulldog might just need to visit… Frank may the New Year be as good to you as you want it to be, and I look forward to our daily visit in 2014…
LikeLike
Bulldog,
You made me laugh this morning! … Merry Christmas and a bountiful 2014 for you and yours.
LikeLike
Of course Santa is real, I just met him in Rovaniemi. He was delightful and charming and his village is beautiful. We will be going on a reindeer sleigh to see the northern lights soon, my first really white Christmas.
LikeLike
Debra,
On a reindeer sleigh to see the northern lights sounds like a good way to experience the season. I encourage other readers to see this post of yours. http://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/merry-christmas-from-santas-village-in-the-arctic-circle/ … Stay warm up there! … and all the best to you! Happy Holidays!!!
LikeLike
i watched them all early this morning. Thank you for setting the tone in so many directions…it’s going to be a full couple of days. What a Christmas eve gem you have here with so many facets.
LikeLike
Georgette,
Knowing that you watched them all is your gift to me. Thanks because I know this collection is special indeed … and something for all. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
LikeLike
I love the Carol of the Bells one. So pretty in both music and setting. Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Carrie,
Carol of the Bells is a wonderful piece … and yes, both the arrangement and setting are excellent. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
LikeLike
Merry Christmas, Frank. Your bell choir is so talented – I loved your version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Captain Picard and the Piano Guys Carol of the Bells. Thank you for the lovely gifts!
LikeLike
Cathy,
You’ve enjoyed quite the variety … good for you! For a volunteer group, our choir does well. I believe the choir in the video may be an audition group in Nashville … then again, that could be incorrect. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
LikeLike
I didn’t realize that I had to click on my name for a special gift located on Onion, a favorite site of mine. Thanks for the surprise and the cleverly appropriate gift.
When I was directed to your blog through , Marina, I was given another special gift. I’m so pleased the big WWW can take us to blogs of many, many interesting people among which you are as is your blog. I hope to read your future posts and gain enjoyment from each one of them.
I liked so many of the videos it would be wrong to list them and leave one out. I must admit as a former dancer there was one that brought an extra smile to my face.
May your holdiay season be filled with all the magical wonders it is meant to bring to our hearts.
Merry Christmas to you and yours !!!
Isadora
LikeLike
Isadora,
It seems you have watched many of the joys here, so good for you! Many blessings to you and everyone around you for this season. Merry Christmas.
LikeLike
Wow Frank, thank you for those spectacular Videos, Loved the hand Bells and the Piano Guys, I have saved that one to re-listen to later and find out more, as Loved their style 😀
Thank you for the time and effort you spent in putting together such a wonderful Christmas Eve spectacular Musical event which not only caught the Christmas Spirit, but the nostalgia of Christmas’s Past…
Enjoy your Holidays and thank you for your support I hope to enjoy more of your wonderful posting in 2014
Happy Christmas
Sue 🙂
LikeLike
Sue,
It’s a pleasure putting this one together (and I think this may be the third year I’ve done this). The joys come from the comments as yours. Many blessings to you and yours for the holiday season and beyond. Merry Christmas.
LikeLike
Virginia – isn’t that a state? Of mind, I mean. Take it from me, Santa is a lot more real than most of the stuff we’re told during the rest of the year. Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Fasab … and one who doesn’t live in Virginia! 😉
Cheers to those of us who believe in Santa. Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
The Piano Guys. Wonderful. Thank you for that introduction. Merry Christmas.
LikeLike
SDS,
Good choice .. after all, one can’t go wrong with them. Merry Christmas to you.
LikeLike
What a beautiful post… Thank you dear Frank. Merry Christmas and happy holiday, love, nia
LikeLike
Nia,
There’s much beauty in this post, not only for the season, but for anytime. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
LikeLike
Frank, if there were media awards for “The Blog Merriest Christmas Posting Fight” like the house decorations, you’d be the winner.
So appreciate this collection. (bookmarking it).
It’s been a tough year, but you must be one of Santy’s chief elves able to fly above it all.
Hope you and yours have the merriest Christmas
LikeLike
Mouse,
A certain event dampened our holiday spirit, but it didn’t kill it! Thanks for the kind words, and Merry Christmas to you and all that surround you.
LikeLike
Great Christmas post, Frank. My favourite is The Cello Guys. 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and your family. Have a wonderful day tomorrow.
LikeLike
Sylvia,
That cello is a humming wonderful songs of the season. Merry Christmas to you and your entire family … and enjoy your time with them!
LikeLike
What an incredible Christmas bounty Frank. Absolutely loved the Star Trek version of Let It Snow! 😀
LikeLike
Izaak,
There’s something here for all … and that is a good one for a smile and a chuckle. The one with Fire in the title matches you post well. Merry Christmas to you.
LikeLike
I would like to think the spirit of peace and goodwill toward your fellow man could surpass specific religion, and even specific dates, to be an ideal goal for every day and for every person. Would that be true….
Ah, but enough humbug. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours, Frank, and a joyous holiday season to all your readers, whatever they celebrate and wherever they may be! (And a special “thank you” for the bit of Trek sprinkled in your post. 😉 )
LikeLike
John,
That is not a dose of humbug, but a reasonable wish for humanity. I knew you would enjoy that holiday dose of Star Trek! Merry Christmas to you and Tamy!
LikeLike
What a lovely present, Frank. I loved each and every one of them…all wonderful, different and the Rosemary Clooney video brought some back nice memories. I truly appreciate all the time you put in to share this present with us. I hope you and your family have a great Christmas. By the way, I’m one of the believers. 🙂
LikeLike
Karen,
Cheers to another believer in Santa! Thanks for your kind words and Merry Christmas to you and those around you.
LikeLike
A wonderful post on Christmas Eve. All the best to you Frank you brightened the season for many.
LikeLike
John,
Thank you kind sir. Hope you found some joys in the videos below the tree. All the best to you and yours.
LikeLike
Ah, Frank, what a beautiful Christmas post, my friend. I actually listened to each and every one! With our move ahead we haven’t had a “proper” Xmas eve” so this was just perfect! Thank you! 🙂 Hope you are having a beautiful Christmas. How did “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” go?
LikeLike
Marina,
I’m so glad that this post was able to bring some joy of Christmas Eve to you. Glad you enjoyed these videos. As you know, there is something special in each of them.
As far as our piece, we don’t play for a couple of more hours … 4 times, 2 pieces at 2 services. Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
That’s great!!! Good luck or ‘break a leg’ and ENJOY!!! I do hope we get to see/hear it…
LikeLike
Not sure if a recording is planned or not. My guess not because of space limitations .. but we’ll see.
LikeLike
Merry Christmas, Frank! Happy Holidays to you and your family. What a great collection of videos you have here. I wish I could watch them all. I watched the Piano Guys, hand bells (I love those), and Star Trek. Great stuff! Beautiful music.
LikeLike
Amy,
Wonderful … glad you could find some treats here. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
LikeLike
Dear Frank,
As I listen to “Silent Night” I think …what a lovely gift.
You are a very interesting person, Frank. I thank you for sharing your spirit… in particular the Christmas one today, with me.
Now, I have a gift for you. http://artgowns.com/
This is my other blog.
Please don’t stop scrolling at the first post! Keep going, check out my side bar but if you are in a hurry check out the Page “Art Gowns for Charity” http://artgowns.com/art-gowns-for-charity/
I am trying to do something good here with my talent.
Love and Peace and Joy
_Reas xo
LikeLike
Resa,
I love that version of Silent Night, and the video is wonderful, too.
Wow … you are quite the talent and to be using it to promote good is a great idea … and I thought you were just a photographer. …. Strawberry Kisses is my favorite as it strikes me as simple elegance.
Thanks for the wonderful treat on my Christmas morning. Love, Peace, and Joy says a lot!
LikeLike
♥♥♥
LikeLike
Oh thank you Frank for electrifying our Christmas which is today in India. Beautiful collection of songs for the season. Warm regards.
LikeLike
Dilip,
Glad you enjoyed these in your early Christmas Day … which is now for me. Hope you had a wonderful day.
LikeLike
Pingback: TOPIC S Santa: One of the True Spirits of the Season | Learn More Everyday
What a magnificent collection, Frank. Loved this! I’m cruising about this Christmas Day, time on my hands – just loved this. Thanks 🙂
oh, & merry Christmas
LikeLike
Noeleen,
On my Christmas morning, I hope you had a good Christmas Day. Merry Christmas!!!
Glad you enjoyed these holiday treasures. Did you have a favorite? Because you didn’t make it to the holiday party, I see there’s something still there with you name on it. 😉 https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2013/12/21/on-the-afa-holiday-gift-basket/ … go look!
LikeLike
Thanks for the gifts from you and your readers in 2013, and thanks for letting me come back for more in 2014. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
LikeLike
Tim,
I very much appreciate your visits here and your local friendship. Merry Christmas to you, Mrs. Marching Band, and the entire flute family.
LikeLike
A beautiful collection of songs Frank. I enjoyed listening to them all 🙂
I wish you a blessed Christmas.
LikeLike
Colline,
Glad you enjoyed them … and they are very good for Christmas morning! Merry Christmas!!!
LikeLike
Great post, Frank! I snuck a peek at the Star Trek video…(lol) cute! (I’ll be back to check out more) I hope you and your wife have a wonderful day!
LikeLike
Hood,
Cheers to you on this Christmas morning. These treats are good any time of the day … and either consecutively or here and there. Enjoy!
LikeLike
What a terrific selection of Christmas cheer! Hope your Christmas is warm and cozy! Brenda
LikeLike
Brenda,
It’s been warm because I’ve stayed inside as much as possible! Nonetheless, it’s been a nice, low-key day. Merry Christmas to you! …which of these was your favorite?
LikeLike
Rosemary Clooney, I didn’t know she was the Aunt of George. She has such a great voice. Some of the others I know and love, though, so it’s hard to pick, really. 🙂
LikeLike
Good choice! And yes, Rosemary and George’s dad (Nick) are siblings.
LikeLike
Talent does seem to run in some families. 🙂
LikeLike
A prime example!
LikeLike
Your video treats are just an absolute delight! Such a great assortment! Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Patti,
Merry Christmas to you! … and thanks for the kind words. Did you have a favorite?
LikeLike
Ah, Frank. You have outdone yourself again! Ok, so here’s my favorite gifts which I took away: Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, the Trans Siberian Orchestra & house, Manheim Steamroller’s Silent Night, and of COURSE Andrea Bocelli (but I don’t know who the woman is, but it sounds beautiful).
Couple of funny stories – yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Clause, but he changes in meaning as we get older. My realization was when I was five – I was upstairs peeking over the bannister in Leipsic, Ohio, and Santa Clause rang the doorbell at 10:00 p.m.!!! Eek. When dad referred to him as “Bob” – the jig was up. But I kept it alive for my grandparents for quite a few years. 🙂
When I was four, we used to go to the candlelight service on Christmas Eve with my grandparents. My brother was two. (We were well-behaved or there were consequences!) There’s a song “Holy, Holy, Holy…Lord God Almighty, early in the morning…” I’m sure you know the song. Apparently, I began speaking in full, complete sentences at age two, and this didn’t stop when we sang songs at church. Unfortunately for the rest of the congregation, I THOUGHT the words were “Oily, Oily, Oily, Lord God in My Tea…” and belted it out with much pride a gumption. Now, all the comments make sense. They didn’t tell me until I was about 6 years old.
Here’s my gift to you – not sure if you’re familiar with Chet Atkins? He was my dad’s favorite, so I knew most of his songs by heart at an early age:
Cheers, D
LikeLike
Deborah,
Thank you for the classic and legendary Chet Adkins … and glad you found more than one treat here.
BTW … The Welsh beauty is a big star. She has plenty of beautiful songs on YouTube for your enjoyment. I had known about her, but learned more about her from her appearance on Dancing with the Stars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBui4OZNgHE
Thanks for sharing your Christmas stories because you had me laughing! Merry Christmas!
LikeLike
Same to you, Frank! I will check out the Welsh lady. Cheers, D
LikeLike
And another one! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taoUsya1JH4&list=RD6TaUEoCWlg4
LikeLike
Oh my … I don’t know this one … but it made me smile. Thank you!
LikeLike
It’s a great one. (Gotta love the band’s hair!) hee hee
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Frank. Wonderful post. I especially enjoyed Rosemary Clooney’s Mem’ries. 🙂 I hope you and yours had a magical and wonder-filled Christmas.
LikeLike
And oh my! The solstice video is pure magic. Thank you, again. 🙂
LikeLike
Completely agree with you on that one, although it may be one that many didn’t watch (sad to say).
LikeLike
Robin,
Glad you made it for these Christmas treats … and cheers to your appreciation of RMC! Hope you had the bestivus of holidays!
LikeLike
What a beautifully written response to some of the nonsense that has recently circulated about Santa’s physical appearance and characteristics. You put some very deep thoughts on the table and I am very glad I was able to finally come around and collect my gifts. I carry the spirit of Christmas with me beyond the 25th, so I’m just a little late. I am extremely partial to “I Believe” by Jenkins and Bocelli, and I can’t hear “My Grown-Up Christmas List” without getting choked up every time. The Piano Guys and Mannheim Steamroller are just wonderful, too. Good presents, Frank. I’m going to be a gift-hog…I want them all! 🙂
LikeLike
Debra,
On this post, being a gift-hog is perfectly acceptable. Merry Christmas to you!
LikeLike
a belated one but hope you are still enjoying a happy holiday season, Frank. all the videos are on a blackout strike (lucky i have internet connection at all…) so i am imagining them all – you know how to select the right songs for every event. 🙂 cheers!!
LikeLike
Thanks for the cellos–both the wife and the son loved it!
LikeLike
Great Post! 🙂
LikeLike
Toemailer,
Thanks … but any favorite?
LikeLike