When she phrases the familiar refrain "faithful friends who are dear to us/gather near to us once more," the slightly mournful sound in her voice colors these lines. Those words are usually sung with anticipation; that next year’s gathering is a certainty. McLachlan sings them with hope, but also a hint of reservation. The sound of her voice allows us to imagine circumstances where next year might not be such a given when she delivers that next stanza, “through the years we all will be together/if the fates allow.” 

This stirred thoughts of people wondering if this Christmas might be their last Christmas with a loved one. That might sounds a little morbid. Besides, the lyrics talk about troubles being a million miles away. McLachlan’s performance allowed me to imagine a family embracing this Christmas, and hoping maybe to get one more just like it. 

Of course, death is not the only thing that comes between our loved ones and us at Christmas. While sitting at my desk at work listening to this song, I thought of our friends in South Carolina. Last year, we traveled to Columbia to spend time with them during the Christmas season. We plan to make that trip again this year as part of an ongoing tradition. We had hoped to see them in November, but real life intervened as it so often does. There may be years we cannot make that trip. I am thankful we did last year. I am hoping "the fates allow" a trip in just a few weeks. This song, one I have heard a thousand times, reached me in a new way through the power of an impossibly beautiful voice.

I realize this does not qualify was a balanced review of Wintersong, but the fact I listened to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" more than 50 times today should tell you something. Actually, it should tell you a lot although likely more about me than the record. I will let you tell me what this says about me in the comments. 

As for Wintersong, I can guarantee you this record will come off the shelves every year, even if it is just to listen to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" another 50 times. It may have ruined my day, but made my holiday. We have a new holiday gold standard.