Of all the Christmas songs ever penned, my (secular) favorite is “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” And while I’ve heard many versions of this song, the best version is by the sublime Judy Garland. When she sings, “Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow,” I feel, as the kids say, seen. Truly other artists’ renditions are lovely, but they miss something essential by replacing the “muddle through” line with “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.” We look for the star, the sparkle, the shimmer. Bright lights, wrapped gifts, music, food, and family - that’s the Christmas sold on TV, online, and in stores. But muddling through? Who wants that?
The Tension Between Grief and Joy
The Tension Between Grief and Joy
The Tension Between Grief and Joy
Of all the Christmas songs ever penned, my (secular) favorite is “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” And while I’ve heard many versions of this song, the best version is by the sublime Judy Garland. When she sings, “Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow,” I feel, as the kids say, seen. Truly other artists’ renditions are lovely, but they miss something essential by replacing the “muddle through” line with “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.” We look for the star, the sparkle, the shimmer. Bright lights, wrapped gifts, music, food, and family - that’s the Christmas sold on TV, online, and in stores. But muddling through? Who wants that?