For most people who celebrate Christmas, it’s a time to be with family. As reasonable as that might be, I encourage you to save a date over the holidays for friends as well.
It’s often said that friends are the family you get to choose. With long-time friends, there’s enough history that you can converse in shorthand, just like family, but without the complicated family tensions that might have to be tactfully navigated. You know each other well enough to select perfect gifts, but could just as easily agree to nix gifts and go out for dinner instead.
So this week, in the dual spirits of Christmas and friendship, here’s a Christmas song performed by friends: Laufey and Dodie.
Originally written as “Winter Weather” by Benny Goodman, the two made it their own, sometimes showing up on stage at each other’s concerts to sing it.
What makes this a beautiful song:
1. As Laufey (that’s ley-fay) sings the first verse, I swear I can hear her gently tapping a foot – or maybe patting a knee – as she sings.
2. As Dodie (whom we met in week 623) sings the second verse, she doesn’t hold on to the notes quite as long, making it as quiet as a joke whispered between friends.
3. The brief bridge at 1:31 didn’t appear in the Benny Goodman original. Laufey and Dodie added it; the musical equivalent of best friends carving their names into an old tree.
Recommended listening activity:
Buying a silly greeting card that only your friend would appreciate.