Holiday greetings for 2020

We all know that 2020 made it challenging to find moments of joy — the pandemic, the economic crisis, civil unrest, not to mention family health issues. But just as we all found ways to adapt, we found joy when we looked for it.

Since it’s so easy to forget about the good things that happened, one good exercise is to go back and look through your pictures, videos, blogs, social posts… any evidence that the year existed. Often you’ll be surprised at what you find “between the couch cushions,” but no more so than this year. Look, it’s the February vacation you went on before lockdown. It’s that weekend getaway your family took together. It’s the fun ways you zigged when the world zagged to stay sane and find laughter in sadness, or celebration in mourning.

So here’s a look at my family’s joys of the past year, set to our version of “To Hear The Angels Sing” — a holiday arrangement by Kristen Allred using the text of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. My wife Katherine’s virtual choir assembled their performance for her Music Sunday at Melrose Highland Congregational Church based on this recording, accompanied by the church’s organist Eugene Kaminsky and his son Lazar.

May you find joy in between the couch cushions during your own 2020 year in review.

Previous holiday greetings are here: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.