Before my parents passed away, my brothers want to sing them a tribute Christmas song. Dad's mom's (Corabel) favorite croner was Bing Crosby, so it was no surprise we chose White Christmas. My youngest brother Levan was excited to write an arrangement for four men's voices that we would all double up on. I wanted to also put my mark on it. I added two more verses to the song. Here are those lyrics:
WHITE CHRISTMAS
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write.
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Everyone 'round the Christmas tree
Where we sing the carols
Of angel heralds
And hymns sung with jubilee.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.
Don't tell me they're all out of sight!
May our hopes be merry and bright,
And may all our Christmases be white.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
For all the children far and near.
So let Ever After
Be filled with laughter
And joy of little ones so dear.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every loved one I hold tight.
May their dreams be merry and bright,
And may all their Christmases be white.
We never got to sing this for Mom and Dad before they were gone. Nevertheless, the feelings of togetherness and the desire to be united are still strong. My hope is that we cherish each moment together with those we hold dear. Just as the flash of a golden sunbeam can melt away the perfect crystalline form of a snowflake, or the heat of coming spring can take away the white blankets of snow, so too can life steal away what truly makes a white Christmas, those precious moments with perfectly imperfect people most important to us. May your moments be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.
