This year my Countdown to Christmas is a nontraditional Advent Calendar centering (pun intended) on mindfulness.
On the front of each card is neat little picture, and on the back are the instructions for the short meditation.
Today, the 10th Day of Advent … LISTEN TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC.
Here are today’s instructions:
Today your task is to mindfully listen to a Christmas song. It doesn’t matter if this a carol, a hymn or a pop song, but try to avoid any songs that you know well. Ideally you will be able find a Christmas song that you have never heard before.
Sit or lie comfortably, away from all distractions and close your eyes. Let go of any thoughts of whether you will like the song or not. The aim is not to review the song, it is to practice the exercise of mindful listening.
Now press play and listen intently to the music. Be present in every second of it, exploring the sounds you hear. Consider all the different instruments being used in the music’s composition, appreciate the sound of the individual element and how it interacts with the overall piece.
Pay attention to the thoughts and emotions that the song evokes. How does it make you feel? Does it conjure particular memories? Is there anything particular about the song that you like or dislike? Are there some sounds that you prefer more than others? Any that you don’t recognise? Does anything about the song surprise you? What does the song say to you about Christmas?
When the song finishes, listen to it again, remaining focused on all its elements. By keeping your attention solely on the music, you may notice how other thoughts and concerns that usually cloud our minds drift away.
Here’s one I found (that I would not have chosen to hear if not for this meditation). A lighthearted and fun look at Christmas from country pop singer Walter Hayes …
The song, “Fancy Like Christmas” …
https://youtu.be/I6238MYsB9A?si=N5Kff2gZgRZWdtoq
And another more traditional and serious but childlike examination of Mary and Joseph’s trek …
The song, “Little Donkey” …
May your heart sing with joy this Sunday.
NealEnJoy 
Fancy Like Christmas cracked me up! I found the official video with lyrics at the bottom. That helped a lot. Hilarious! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSEswwYaANA
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