We polled staff and alumni for music selections for the holiday season, and we are creating a playlist to play at the centre this December 25th.
We invite you to take part. Hop on YouTube or your preferred music streaming platform and get in the spirit! Feel free to send your own playlist suggestions to tim@aurorarecoverycentre.com, and we’ll add them to the playlist.
Alumni Michael C. provided some of his faves:
- Silent Night by the Dickies (70s punk)
- Making Christmas by Rise Against
- Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight) by The Ramones
- Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer by Reel Big Fish
I’ll leave you with just 4. I’m sure I could go on and on with so many more.
Darlene at reception highly recommends Alabama’s Christmas albums, especially the song Candle In The Window. She checked her selection on YouTube and was visibly inspired by the sounds.
MCS staffer Tom K. had an immediate thought about what he wanted to share, Carol of The Bells. It is a symphonic rendition that brings him great joy and peace.
From Executive Assistant Tracy Falk, O Holy Night by Martina McBride. Tracy is a singer herself, and she obviously resonates with Marina’s massive talent and spirit.
Counsellor Amanda likes any Christmas material by Justin Bieber.
Aurora’s Finance Director, Shirley Finnbogason did not hesitate when approached; her favourite is You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. Talk about a classic!
Tina Lussier from our Winnipeg marketing department says the song Mary Did You Know by acapella artist Peter Hollens is one of the most stunning performances she has ever watched. His video is a six-part harmony with only himself singing. It’s a must-see!
Tim Dickson spends a lot of his free time listening to tunes, and has a bunch of recommendations to share:
- Blue Christmas by Porky Pig (also recommended by counsellor Gerry)
- Run Run Rudolph. A song by the real King of Rock n Roll Chuck Berry, performed by Rolling Stone Keith Richards.
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by Calexico, a John Lennon song performed by one of his favourite bands. Calexico has a new holiday album out this week.
- I Was Thinking I Could Clean Up For Christmas by Aimee Mann. A song from a concept album called The Forgotten Arm. It is like a duet between an addict and a codependent. This song also references Hastings Street in Vancouver; the story was inspired by some residents of that city.
- Silver Bells. Lots of great versions out there.
- Song For a Winter’s Night. The Gordon Lightfoot song as played by Blue Rodeo. From their A Merrie Christmas to You album.
When asked to provide a song, Emerson got on his phone and played us The Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler. We all enjoyed that, and then he rocked us with Dominick the Donkey by Lou Monte, followed by I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey.
Member Care Administrator Tara loves hearing Little Drummer Boy. She says, “It gives me goosebumps.”
Our Reception person Nicole Levesque also mentioned the hippo and donkey songs, as well as her recommendation for music by Michael Buble.
By Tim Dickson