We're into November now, the Christmas pre-season is on.

We've got nearly a month to go before things kick off into really high gear,

so for now we'll stay in low gear, and there's nothing wrong with that.

For people like you and me, this is a time to ease into things.

A Christmas movie here, a decoration there, planning out the season, the shopping,

the cooking, traveling, if nothing else, enjoying the change of season that hints at change

and anticipation. Most people will tell you that early November is still too early, but we're not

most people, are we? We're among friends here with the Christmas past family, and we're happy to have you.

For my money, one of the easiest ways to ease into the Christmas spirit is to break out the

Christmas music. Of all the things that make the season merry and bright, I think music

can most quickly set a mood. And these days, you can pull up any song at any time, anywhere you are.

Funny thing about Christmas music.

Of course we want to return to our favorites.

That's part of what makes it a tradition.

Me, I have a collection of Christmas music on vinyl, which I've had since childhood.

I re-listen to them every year.

One of the good and bad things about Christmas

music is that there's just so much of it. It can sometimes feel like there's no room for anything

new. Or at least with the season being so short and there being only so much time to reconnect

with your old favorites, it can seem that trying something new feels like taking a chance.

Maybe that's why, of all the Christmas albums put out by major labels every year,

most of it feels like safe, tried, and true, more of the same.

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