Auld Lang Syne

Holiday music hits different, doesn’t it? Like, why does Christmas country suddenly work for me? How does Mariah Carey get to relive her glory days Every. Single. Year? And when did Wham’s “Last Christmas” become unavoidable?

I have a beat-up vinyl of Bing Crosby’s Merry Christmas album that I play every year even though it skips during “White Christmas,” - one of my faves to croon along to. I’m also moved to literal tears every time I hear Auld Lang Syne. No song tugs at my heart strings more. The Scottish poem-turned-song makes me feel grateful, relieved, nostalgic, and full all at once.

This year has been a packed and demanding whirlwind. I’ve balanced being a parent, student, teacher, and breadwinner.  I’ve traded in sleep and showers for presence and focus (verdict still out on whether that trade off has been worth it). I’ve faced adversity, challenges, and plenty of burnout - yet I’m still somehow awed by the love, privilege, and people I’m surrounded by and come together with at the end of every year.

Amid responsibilities and bills - art, music, relationships, and nature remain soft safe havens into which I can sink. I hope you, too, stay connected to the things that make you purr, wag your tail, dance, sing, or whatever else helps your cup to runneth over.

As we close out 2025, here’s to remembering that life isn’t only about making shit happen (note to self). So raise a cup of kindness yet for Auld Lang Syne.

*”Auld Lang Syne” roughly translates to “old long since” or, more commonly understood, “old time’s sake.” Here is a link to the original poem and its standard English translation.

Happy holidays. I hope to see or hear from you in 2026.