In 1943, Kim Gannon and Walter Kent composed one of my favourite songs, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”. One of my favourite lines in the song is, “Christmas Eve will find me, where the lovelight gleams. I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.”
If only Gannon would have known how poignant their words would be during a global pandemic. It breaks my heart that many of us will only be able to experience Christmas with loved ones solely through our dreams this year. It has been such a tumultuous year.
I’m thinking back to the year it was for me. Like many, it had its highs and lows…but I feel grateful that much of it was wonderful. I released a new solo piano album in late March. I was supposed to play concerts in support of that album, but that was delayed for obvious reasons. I was supposed to be in Ecuador and Europe for various musical engagements this past summer, but that will happen sometime in the future once this virus thing goes away. For many months of the year, I was only able to teach my students online. I missed seeing them in-person but thanks to technology, I was able to have the next best thing and help them using video chat. I didn’t get a chance to see my parents in-person all year (first time that’s ever happened), but I still “saw” them thanks to Skype.
The Music for Self-Isolation project was an unexpected blessing this past year. I remember dreaming up the idea one Sunday morning in mid-March at the start of the pandemic. Since then, I have used this project to connect with fellow musicians all across the globe, sharing music, stories and ideas to maintain our mental health through these unprecedented times. Like the pandemic, the project will continue on into 2021. We as musicians need to stay strong during these times and support each other. I feel so lucky to be part of this community that continues to persevere.
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to the Holiday Season to have some time to rest and reflect. Now more than ever, I want to keep connecting with my friends and family (even if it’s just virtually) and take time to dream about the possibilities of the future. COVID has the ability to impact us physically, but it will never take away our sense of Christmas spirit. It’s always with us…no matter what.
However you celebrate, best wishes for much love, peace, health and happiness…this Holiday Season and always!!
