“The Christmas star shines once a year

And then it fades away

Keep the spirit in your heart

And it’s Christmas every day.”    

Kenny Rogers

Oh, just saying the words takes me back to my mom’s kitchen circa 1981 and beyond. While that seems an unlikely early year, even for me, that was the year that album was was released. My mom was a music aficionado back then with albums ranging from Kenny Rogers to Kenny Loggins…oh wait, maybe she just had a thing for Kennys?

Anyway, we had every single Kenny Rogers album ever released. In fact, I just googled his top 10 songs, yep, I know all of them. In fact, if I played, “Lucille”, “Lady”, “You Decorated My Life”, “The Gambler”, “Islands in the Stream” or “Ruby Don’t take Your Love to Town” I would know every single word. I would venture to guess both of my sisters would know all of the words as well. Why? Well, my sisters and I used to clean the kitchen, a lot. After complaining, we would slide open the ‘ol console stereo and put Kenny Rogers on the turntable. We knew how to clean the kitchen and have a concert at the same time.

Our favorites though were his Christmas albums. Oh, for just one more “Kentucky Homemade Christmas.” No seriously, these albums were such a part of our holiday that I purchased one of his Christmas albums after I had my kids. They were not amused, but I called G and just started playing the music. She appreciated it.

Christmas really is my favorite time of year and mostly because of the very special memories we have from growing up. That and mom introducing me to all of the Kennys.

Thanks Mom!

Sunshine & Sarcasm,

Lowi & G