Monday afternoon I had the distinct pleasure of performing some holiday music at the Chenango Valley Home, my final contribution to this year’s Delivering Christmas series.
As the big day approaches (is Christmas really only three days away?), I find myself feeling that familiar mix of apprehension (I still have lots of shopping to do), holiday spirit (I love singing Christmas tunes) and joy. I’ve had the opportunity to perform at the Chenango Valley Home previously, and it’s always been a pleasure to visit with the staff, residents, and most of all, my grandmother (whom I have called Grammy since we first met, when I was three).
In all honesty, I’m a sucker when it comes to the holidays (I’m also the guy who cries when he sees a long distance phone commercial), so a performance like this is always gratifying and extremely emotional to me.
I was greeted at the door by Linda Robitelle, activities director for the Chenango Valley Home, and proceeded to tune up the old guitar. It’s been years since I sang most of the songs which appeared on my list, and I found myself grinning just for the sheer happiness I felt performing holiday classics like “Silent Night,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”
“At this time of year, it’s so important to share the holiday traditions with our residents,” said Robitelle. “We want to make them feel at home.”
After closing out my set with an inspired “Amazing Grace” (a song I cannot sing without tearing up), I enjoyed the hospitality of the Home, sipping on eggnog and munching down some delicious fruit cake, all the while answering some questions and spending some time with the residents and staff.
Delivering Christmas has been an enlightening experience for me, and I must say it’s exciting to actually get involved in our community this holiday season. I know it’s not even Christmas yet, but I’m already looking forward to the next time I can deliver some holiday cheer, but most of all, I’d just like to say Merry Christmas.