Greetings from the Salt City, aka Syracuse, New York. The sign up above is the first visual many folks have of Syracuse as they arrive at Hancock International Airport, and for a native like myself, it’s a welcome sight. Despite my love of travel and Colorado, I always enjoy returning home to see my folks and reconnect. Funny how we can romanticize such mundane things as grocery stores and neon signs, isn’t it?

Over the next few days, I will be posting my year-end lists. While I have already been told that there won’t be much of an audience for this type of thing between Christmas and New Years, year-end lists are kind of hallowed ground to me, and I like to remain as pure as possible when it comes to these. You’ll get a couple of singles-oriented lists, with the big album list on New Years Eve.

I would tell you that I am here to wish you Happy Holidays from the staff and management of Pop Music Notes, but, alas, they all walked out on me on day one, so please allow me to speak for the “company”. When I think of this time of year, I think of all the warm and fizzy fuzzy things like family, giving, hope and renewal. However, it’s been a rough year for so many folks. While I have felt like I got the short end of the stick on so many things over the past 12 months, there are so many people out there who would envy my “troubles” and trade for them in a heartbeat with their own. In this season of giving, please remember those who don’t have the luxury of taking things like a job, food, shelter, and warm clothing for granted. My charity of choice this year has been the Ali Forney Center (with a huge h/t to Joe.My.God), and if you need a suggestion, I think this one would be a wonderful choice. However, no matter where your gift of time or money goes, I’m sure it will be appreciated.

So here’s my Christmas wish to you…may you be surrounded by the family and friends of your choosing who love and care for you, may your mind and soul be at peace, and may you carry an appropriate tune with you as your journey continues on. Because life without music…well, let’s not go there. Be well, my friends.

And now, to answer a question posted a few weeks ago, here’s my favorite Christmas song. It’s as relevant now as it was when it was first recorded.