As a mother of two grown and flown sons, I often wish for the wonderful Christmas's I had with them as children. And I fondly remember my own. But here's the thing...as a child I was always concerned that there might be a lump of coal in my stocking. It seems I was always in trouble year-round and figured it would catch up with me on December 25th.
It never did. Even though I was constantly berated for my "bad" behavior, I know my parents loved me and (except for the spankings or being grounded) they treated me well.
Later in my life I was diagnosed with ADHD. But in the 1940's this condition was unheard of. Both of my sons have ADHD, and I didn't know anything about it either! It was only when I was diagnosed in my late 60's that I begin to research the condition. Imagine my surprise! All the troubles I had had growing up were listed in a book I found re: Attention Deficit Disorder. Not wanting to be labeled as being disabled, I renamed it Attention Daydream Distraction.
I have written my memoir and ADD plays a prominent role therein. Maybe this will be my "big" idea for my Substack writings. Who knows?
Ha! Thanks for that. I have never listened to the words before because the music and the drumming and the “parapapumpum” has always annoyed me. I didn’t get it.
But I took the time to listen to the words - so, thanks!
Christmas was always a lonely time for me, I still struggle with the charade of it all.
Especially now. I think monotheistic religions are the root of all conflict and sadness in the world. 😞
Mine was a tumultuous home, growing up. I always loved, and still do love, this old animated tale. I am a Christian, and I think the resurrection theme that cleanses away loss, hatred, and pain, appeals to me. My family and I watched it a few days ago, and it still moves me. Thank you for sharing!
I hated the pa ram pam pam business as a child. I probably heard all the wrong versions of this song. Until recently, as in a few years ago I came across the version of Bing Crosby and David Bowie. OMG! I now love that song. This version with Bob Seger reminds me of Demis Roussos. I had to look it up. While no one has the depth of his voice, I don't really like his version of the song. Have you heard Crosby with Bowie? Have a listen on the Demis Roussos too and let me know how you rate those in comparison to your favourite. Merry Christmas!
Thanks I am one who feels Christmas and these holidays are a roller coaster of emotions. Alcohol in my fathers life off and on was present. And mom and dad had grief and PTSD From what they endured in World War Two. But my great family and friends always grounds me in love and gratitude.
That song has always moved me and I never thought about the loneliness but it sure is there. The line that gets me every time is “I played my best for him”. Talk about giving your all, no matter how humble. Thanks for this.
I also love The Little Drummer Boy and was thrilled to see him in a Nativity scene. Now to find one for my creche! Thanks for the reminder, Sherman!
As a mother of two grown and flown sons, I often wish for the wonderful Christmas's I had with them as children. And I fondly remember my own. But here's the thing...as a child I was always concerned that there might be a lump of coal in my stocking. It seems I was always in trouble year-round and figured it would catch up with me on December 25th.
It never did. Even though I was constantly berated for my "bad" behavior, I know my parents loved me and (except for the spankings or being grounded) they treated me well.
Later in my life I was diagnosed with ADHD. But in the 1940's this condition was unheard of. Both of my sons have ADHD, and I didn't know anything about it either! It was only when I was diagnosed in my late 60's that I begin to research the condition. Imagine my surprise! All the troubles I had had growing up were listed in a book I found re: Attention Deficit Disorder. Not wanting to be labeled as being disabled, I renamed it Attention Daydream Distraction.
I have written my memoir and ADD plays a prominent role therein. Maybe this will be my "big" idea for my Substack writings. Who knows?
Bass
"The ox and lamb kept time." Always loved that line.
One of my favorites. 💜 I so connected with the drummer boy.
Tao Te Ching #58: “happiness rests in misery, misery hides in happiness”
Ha! Thanks for that. I have never listened to the words before because the music and the drumming and the “parapapumpum” has always annoyed me. I didn’t get it.
But I took the time to listen to the words - so, thanks!
Christmas was always a lonely time for me, I still struggle with the charade of it all.
Especially now. I think monotheistic religions are the root of all conflict and sadness in the world. 😞
Mine was a tumultuous home, growing up. I always loved, and still do love, this old animated tale. I am a Christian, and I think the resurrection theme that cleanses away loss, hatred, and pain, appeals to me. My family and I watched it a few days ago, and it still moves me. Thank you for sharing!
I hated the pa ram pam pam business as a child. I probably heard all the wrong versions of this song. Until recently, as in a few years ago I came across the version of Bing Crosby and David Bowie. OMG! I now love that song. This version with Bob Seger reminds me of Demis Roussos. I had to look it up. While no one has the depth of his voice, I don't really like his version of the song. Have you heard Crosby with Bowie? Have a listen on the Demis Roussos too and let me know how you rate those in comparison to your favourite. Merry Christmas!
I always loved that song and TV special as well. As a child of poverty, it spoke to me. Happy holidays.
"I believe in the power of stories. And the story of the Little Drummer Boy continues to resonate for me."
That´s it, exactly. Under the surface of name what ever.
Merry christmas.
Thank you for sharing a bit of your sorrow and joy, both then and now
A kindness on your part to share. I hadn't paid much mind to the lyrics previously. Thank you! Have a blessed 2025.
Thanks I am one who feels Christmas and these holidays are a roller coaster of emotions. Alcohol in my fathers life off and on was present. And mom and dad had grief and PTSD From what they endured in World War Two. But my great family and friends always grounds me in love and gratitude.
That song has always moved me and I never thought about the loneliness but it sure is there. The line that gets me every time is “I played my best for him”. Talk about giving your all, no matter how humble. Thanks for this.
Happy holidays, Sherman.