Elise Recommends: “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as sung by Judy Garland

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I love Christmas. A season dedicated to decorating, sweaters, stuffing, presents, and being nice to one another!!?! YES! CHRISTMAS 4 PRESIDENT!!!

Although I am all for the holly-jolly merry-making that accompanies the season, I can’t help but feel a little sad during the holidays. If you’ve lost a loved one I’m sure you’ll agree that a person’s absence is often most acutely felt at Christmas. That’s why, in the midst of everything, I personally like to take a few minutes to feel a little sorry for myself. I do so by listening to ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ as sung by my holiday pity-party pal, Judy Garland.

HYMLC is heartbreaking and bittersweet, and no one gets it like Judy. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, but most are simply not as devastating as the OG. For example, when Frank Sinatra covered the song he reportedly asked the songwriter to “jolly” the lyrics up a bit. The line “until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow” was changed to “hang a shining star upon the highest bough.” Oh Frank, you handsome fool. When it comes to HYMLC, you’ve got to go with Judy. Sad but hopeful, Judy’s version acknowledges that, although things are currently garbage, next year will surely be better.

Whether you’re feeling major nostalgia for Christmases past, missing the happy golden days of yore (the Obama presidency?), or dealing with the absence of family members/loved ones that are no longer at the Christmas table, Judy’s got you.

So take 2 minutes and 24 seconds to feel feelings with Judy Garland. And, yeah, have yourself a merry little Christmas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxxTHzERTsk(Song recommendation by Elise W.)