Christmas traditions become a feature without us even realising it. Musical Christmas traditions have become a feature in my life but this year the difference is stark. It’s funny, but I’d never realised how ingrained in my life these little Christmas pieces were. I remember all sorts of Christmas music from over the years. This year will be much quieter, owing to the restrictions placed upon us. Nevertheless, I’ll still be at the piano - even if it is by myself.

I rediscovered a vintage Christmas Carol piano book that was given to my mum in 1951! I’m not usually given to sentimental keepsakes but I’m thrilled to have this carol book, which has become very special to me - so much so that I have sent away it to be repaired and rebound. The illustrations are truly beautiful. The music itself isn’t difficult at all (it was given to my mum when she was seven years old) but the arrangements are very pretty. I have fallen in love with a really unusual carol, the Cowboy Carol, and I play it for you to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

A Shout-Out to everyone for working so hard despite all sorts of lockdowns and restrictions. Well done for overcoming the odds and emerging triumphant. I’m so grateful to have been part of your journey. There’s no doubt that that has been a tricky year. I take a moment aside to mention some of the set-back that have prevented me from progressing with my goals for this channel. However, I have great plans for next year and your encouragement and dedication spurs me on! Thank you for your lovely, encouraging comments and thank you for your hard work and dedication to music. Take a bow!

Christmas music is playing in all the shops and cheesy tunes suddenly become standard fare. There’s no point trying to be particular about it so you may as well take a musical holiday from reason and roll with the silliness. In fairness, some of the Christmas music is truly beautiful and the classics stand the test of time. However, some songs age better than others… I look back over some the of music I’ve sung and played over the years. Good or bad, it all brings back happy memories.