It has become a tradition in this country that one hour after Halloween ends, Christmas arrives in a blizzard of advertisements, holiday decor, and frantic plan-making. As a diva of a certain age, I have come to have sympathy for that oft-forgotten holiday in between, Thanksgiving. From now until January 1, everywhere you go, you'll be treated to the jaunty little Christmas carols that signify it's time to shop. This year, why not fill your playlists with songs reflect the essence of our November holiday? (And I'm not talking about football!) To this end, I have curated a selection that can inspire gratitude as well as get you dancing so you build up an appetite for the big day. Enjoy!
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| Play that funky music! |
Celebrate Me Home: What's not to love about this mellow tune from Kenny Loggins? He sings about returning home for the holidays where he believes he's "missed each and every face." It's the perfect song to play when you want to remember that feeling of coming back to your parents' home and sleeping in your old childhood bed in the room now converted to a home-gym.
Celebrate Me Home by Kenny Loggins
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| "Can I stay forever??!!" |
We Are Family: While this Sister Sledge song was a dance hit in 1979, who can resist belting it out with siblings, cousins, or fur babies?
We Are Family by Sister Sledge
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| "We're all related in one way or 'nother." |
All That Meat and No Potatoes: This number from the 1940s by Fats Waller isn't actually talking about a Thanksgiving dinner. But, we can ignore the innuendos and gather around the turkey and shout, "All that meat and no potatoes!" It could become an unexpected family tradition.
All That Meat and No Potatoes by Fats Waller
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| "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a turkey sandwich today." |
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| "Mi casa su casa." |
Celebration: Come on! There's a party going on 'round here, and we are going to live it up, even if it's just once a year. This is the perfect song to play to motivate the young folks to dance while doing the dishes after the big meal.
Celebration by Kool and the Gang
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| "No tryptophan comas for us!" |
Thank You For Being a Friend: The list of those to thank could be long or short for this one. Either way, it's the day to find a place in your heart for that pal, sibling, cousin, teacher and even late and present pet who made you feel important at some point.
Thank You For Being a Friend by Andrew Gold
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| "When other friendships have been forgot, ours will still be hot!" |
In My Life: One of The Beatles loveliest tunes is also the perfect soundtrack to remember all the people who have mattered in our lives.
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| "In my life, I love you more...." |
What a Wonderful World: If you do Thanksgiving right, you will find so many things to be grateful for in this big blue marble spinning around the sun.
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
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| "It's a wonderful world on snow days, Sluggo!" |
Give Thanks and Praise: This Bob Marley Rastafarian song is the perfect way to remember that Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday, but a thankful one. Give thanks to God, Allah, Lord Vishnu, or Mother Nature and be grateful for the right to choose.
Give Thanks and Praise by Bob Marley
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| "Thanks and praise for sunny days." |
Gratitude: Earth, Wind, and Fire say "Thank You" in their own funky way. Sing it to the provider of the family meal and it might earn you and extra piece of pie.
Gratitude by Earth, Wind, and Fire
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| "I'd be more grateful for lasagna, but turkey will do!" |
Whatever music you listen to over the days approaching the holiday, may it give you joy, comfort, and a chance to shake your booty! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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