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Holiday Songs

By James Utt
By James Utt

In the late 1960s, Simon and Garfunkel released an album, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” the last song on which was “Silent Night/7 0’clock News.” As they sung the lyrics of one of the most moving Christmas songs, there was in the background, slowly getting louder, the voice of a newsman relating events of the day. It was heart breaking. Dr. King’s fight against housing discrimination and threats of the National Guard being called out to stop his march, mass murderer Richard Speck appearing in court, the violence from Vietnam, Richard Nixon’s shrill criticism of anti-war protesters.

 

The Laguna Tunes Community Chorus performs Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Artists Theatre at Laguna Beach High School.
The Laguna Tunes Community Chorus performs Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Artists Theatre at Laguna Beach High School.

If the aging duo did an updated version of the song today, they would find no shortage of news stories to depress the listener. I have in the past found it so very difficult to be moved by the uplifting and joyous music of the holidays unless I completely ignore the condition of our community, nation, and world. Think of the refugees dying in the hundreds as they try and escape the violence in the Middle East. “Silent Night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.” I don’t think so. I recently finished a book by the often-controversial Jonathan Franzen in which a character says the reason people from other solar systems have never contacted us is that when a planet reaches a certain level of development, they succeed in destroying themselves. When one looks at our world and sees technology that has outpaced our moral compass, I see that possibility. I try my best to not be consumed by pessimism. I want, I need to feel less forlorn.

One antidote to this condition is living in Laguna Beach. As I make my way through the picturesque canyon toward the festival grounds, it feels as if weights are being lifted from my shoulders. I know I am coming home to one of the friendliest and tolerant cities around. The first in Orange County to create a humane place for day laborers to gather, the first to create a permanent homeless shelter, the first to elect an openly gay mayor. Despair can be put on the back burner as I walk along the boardwalk at Main Beach and see tourists, friends, and lovers, all drinking in the beauty that is our town. From the smiles of those who work at Bushard’s to the warmth that exudes from tiny Cafe Zoolu, people here make a difference. Just as they can cause harm, we humans can also dole out compassion and love in full measure.

And one person in particular has made a difference to me. Let’s call her Kelly, who the religious among you might say God sent my way. I don’t know about that; I’ll just say I was one lucky pagan. Yes, the heart can bend the head to its will. This religiously liberal, sweet natured lady has encouraged me to believe that smiles can bring about change, that light will triumph over darkness, that hope is not a foolish concept. Yes, smile locally and change can come globally if there is belief and love behind the kindness of your face.

She sings in the Laguna Tunes community chorus. On Dec. 18, I will be at the high school to listen to her and the others sing songs of holiday happiness and joy. One will be “Ose Shalom” (The One Who makes Peace), a song from a traditional Hebrew text. I think it could even make Paul Simon feel better.

I approach this holiday season with cautious hope, but hope nonetheless.

 

Author James Utt is a retired high school history teacher who lives in Laguna Beach.

 

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