It’s Friday noon and I’m still sitting in my house in Bellevue having been unable to get to the airport this morning to catch my Hawaii flight. I couldn’t get a cab company or limo driver to pick me up and Surfer Ty didn’t want me to try driving my Tahoe because there would be no one to come help me should I spin out somewhere. So I try again Sunday. Even though another snow storm is expected to hit Saturday night.
But it is beautiful. The view from my windows show powdery glittering white in all directions and with the blue sky overhead, it’s a winter wonderland. My boys are being picked up by their dad in a couple hours and I’ll spend the next day and a half reading. I bought a couple Georgette Heyer novels at the Barnes & Noble Tuesday during my signing so I’m looking forward to curling up in front of the fire with carols playing and just reading. Yes, I’d rather be with Ty in Hawaii, but considering all, reading by the fire isn’t a bad way to pass the time (As long as I can get on the plane on Sunday!!)
And because I’m still here, I’m doing a shortie contest giveaway. Tell me what your favorite Christmas carol is, and you’re entered. The prize is another festive holiday box filled with sweets and treats, including a signed copy of Mrs. Perfect, See’s candy, a CD of carols, a box of peppermints, my JP heart candle and lots more. So share with me your fav carol, and anything else you feel like chatting about, and you could win. I’ll draw the winner Saturday night midnight and post the winner’s name Sunday. Now remember, I’m hoping to be on a plane Sunday so if it takes me a little while to post winner’s name, please forgive me!!
Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope your holidays will be festive and fun and most of all, filled with love. Lots, and lots, and lots of love.
My favorite Christmas carol is Away in a Manger 🙂
Happy Holidays Jane!!!
Sandy
Silent Night…my nose tickles as I try not to cry every time I hear it.
Merry Christmas Jane.
Nancy
BTW: Thanks for the movie premiere package. We had a ball watching Flirting with Forty! It was the best chick night of the year.
drummer boy is my favorite! and i’m soo jealous, your going to hawaii, i want to go back!! have a safe trip +happy holidays!!
I really like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Have a safe trip to Hawaii, Jane!
Cathy
That is such a hard question!
But ya know… It isn’t a carol – I’m not sure that it is Christmas music… but I can still listen to Handel’s Messiah. (I hear it around Christmas time.)
And… well… Kenny Loggins’ Celebrate Me Home… again… not a Christmas carol, but a holiday song.
I guess I’m just not a traditional carol person!
Have a safe trip and a great time with Ty,
Sarah
My favourite is The Christmas Song, although I’m also a fan of Mary Did You Know
I’m sorry you weren’t able to get off to Hawaii and hope it clears up enough for you to go on Sunday. I’m just north of you, in BC, and we’ve had a beautiful day today – but the drivers are just nuts.
Merry Christmas to you, Surfer Ty and the kids!
“O Holy Night” is my favorite Christmas carol. Brings me to tears every time.
Thanks for your amazing books!
Heather
I would say for hymns it would be “O Holy Night” with “Silent Night” a VERY close second. We went to Westminster Chapel Saturday evening for their Christmas program and it was the last song and they had a different arrangement that was forceful but still melodic and very special. When the lovely soloist with the best voice of the night got to “fall on your knees, Oh hear the angels singing” the might and emotion of the words hit me in the heart and it totally awed me!
For a carol, I love “It’s the Most Beautiful Time of the Year” which says it all – but the “Chestnut Song” is great, too, and what could be better than Bing and “White Christmas” except for “I’ll be Home for Christmas” because having our son arrive makes the holiday happen at our house. So, I love Christmas, as you can see, and we are going to the airport at 10pm Sunday to pick him up, and hopefully you will have gotten on your plane and will be in the air leaving the white snow for the white sand and a very merry Christmas for you!
My favorite Christmas song is Sleigh Ride. Sorry the weather wasn’t cooperating for you to make your flight today. Keeping my fingers crossed that Sunday will be better.
Sorry to hear you are snowed in. I am on the other side of the country and also snowed in! I love all the traditional christmas carols but I would have to say my favorite is U2’s I’ll Be Home For Christmas”.
Sorry to hear you are snowed in. I am on the other side of the country and also snowed in! I love all the traditional christmas carols but I would have to say my favorite is “U2’s Baby Please Come home for Christmas”.
Oh Jane, I’m so sorry you couldn’t make your plane today. Here’s hoping that you can make it on Sunday. I planned to write that my favorite is “O Holy Night” until I read the comments above and was reminded of the song “Mary Did You Know”. Wish that it got played more this time of year.
Take care and have a great flight ON SUNDAY!
Kim
Good King Wenceslaus is my favorite. Good luck with your travel plans; we’re buried here in Vermont too.
Good luck this weekend, getting your flight.
My favorite holiday song? I’m not sure it’s a “Christmas song” per se, but I LOVE Canon in D. It just “feels” right during the winter season.
My favorite Christmas carol is O’ Holy Night. It has been my favorite carol forever it seems.
So sorry to hear you are snowed in. I will cross my fingers that the weather clears on Sunday. I hate to tell you but where I live we had temps near 80 degrees and beautiful sunshine.
Hopefully it will be colder for Christmas down here.
I love little drummer boy…David Bowie and Bing Crosby style!! 🙂 Meery Christmas to you and your family Jane!!
This definitely is a hard one but number 1 would have to be: “Do You Hear What I Hear”?
Michigan got slammed with the snow too and my whole body is sore from shoveling!
Have a safe trip to Hawaii on Sunday – Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!
“Celebrate Me Home” by Kenny Loggins is my all time favorite.
A very Merry Christmas and safe travels!
Anne
Hi Jane! My fav. holiday song would have to be “Do you hear what I hear.”
I hope you have a safe and happy holidays!! 🙂
I think my favorite Christmas song is Santa Baby. Probably not a carol but still.
Sorry you couldn’t get out today but here’s hoping you make it out Sunday. Merry Christmas Jane. 🙂
Oh Holy Night is one of my favorites, althought I like most Christmas songs.
My favorite Christmas carol is December by Kenny Loggins. Kind of sappy, but I love it!
My favorite secular carol is “Santa Baby”, as sung by Eartha Kitt. She’s just so, GOOD. My favorite spiritual carol is “Emmanuel”, it never fails to raise my spirits and goose bumps too.
And, speaking of bumps, hope you and the bump make it on Sunday’s flight. We’ll be holding good thoughts for you both. Merry Christmas Jane, from all of us. Love, P.
Not sure if this would be considered a carol or a song… but I like…
Santa Baby and Baby It’s Cold Outside
I so hope you get on that plane! Have a wonderful Christmas Jane.
Hugs,
Micole
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Lynn Anderson circa 1971. It always brings back the best childhood memories!
Hope you’re basking on a beach soon!
Merry Christmas!
I dont think it’s a Christmas Carol, But more of a Christmas Song,
” The Christmas Shoes ” It’s about the litte boy wanting to buy his Mother a Special Pair of shoes cause she is going to die and wants her to look beautiful for when his Momma meets Jesus !
Makes me cry everytime !
Have a SAFE TRIP….=)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS !
“Joy to the World” still leads the pack in favorites for me, and I think it speaks for itself as to why. “O Come O Come Emmanuel” bears a close second though. That’s one a particularly like to sing as a soloist because the music is so glorious, so holy and then there’s the joy again. And then to round out the trifecta would have to be Handel’s “Unto Us a Child is Born,” sounding out with resounding joy and resonance the reason for our Christmas season.
Travel safe babe. And a happy, happy Christmas to you and those you love. Rejoice!
Cannon in D and Ava Maria. Both are being played by the string trio at our New Years Eve Wedding! ‘Tis the Season!! 🙂
It’s so hard to choose just one but, since I must, I’ve got to say “Oh Holy Night”. I also have a teeny little crush on Kenny Chesney and LOVE his song “Just put a ribbon in your hair”. Cheesy, I know, but so sweet!!
I hope the snow clears enough to allow you to fly safely on Sunday. Much aloha and Melaka leke maka!!!
Mandy
Jane, we were thinking about you today, and wondering if you were digging your toes in the sand right about now!
We’re stuck in Duvall, or we’d love to give you a ride to the airport. We still have about ten inches of snow, and the roads are so bad we haven’t been out since we saw you.
I’ll disqualify myself from the contest because I already have a really nice autographed copy of the book! 😉 Thank you again for it!
My favorite Christmas carol is probably “Carol of the Bells”, but everytime Bruce Springsteen’s version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” comes on the radio, I’m turning it up!
We’re crossing our fingers for you on Sunday.
Love,
Julie
Oh Jane, I’m sorry you were delayed on your trip. I hope everything works out for Sunday. The reading, in a cozy house, looking out at the snow sounds pretty nice, until then. 🙂
My favorite carol is also “O Holy Night”. My favorite version is by Martina McBride … acapella! Just amazing! Here is the link to watch it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2UMFTsV0Bs
I also love Please Come Home For Christmas by the Eagles, and Hard Candy Christmas by Dolly Parton. Oh, and Feliz Navidad, because it reminds me of my best friend from high school. It’s a long story lol. Merry Christmas!
My favorite Christmas carol is White Christmas, as sung by Bing Crosby. And I always watch the movie while I’m wrapping presents. 🙂
I hope you’re able to fly out tomorrow and that you and everyone have a safe and happy holiday!
Little Drummer Boy.
I know what you mean, Jane. My friend is in Eatonville and trying to get out to go see her sister. She has been stuck and is getting anxious. My daughter didn’t have school the last two days and everywhere I look I see cars off the road and people stuck. Snow IS beautiful but it puts a bit of damper on regular life, eh?
Ah, gee, Jane! Just one favorite Christmas carol/song?! I’ll give you three! 🙂
My favorite music is classical music , but I have two favorites done by country artists! Martina McBride singing ‘O Holy Night’ without a single note of music–it takes my breath away! Kenny Rogers’s and Wynonna’s version of ‘Mary, Did You Know’ gives me goosebumps!
I love carols played on brass instruments–‘God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen’ evokes a Victorian atmosphere and always reminds me of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol.’
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Everyone!
Debora
Jane,
So sorry to hear that you couldn’t make your flight but I am sure you can make the Sunday flight!! And thank you Ty for making sure you didn’t drive the Tahoe in the bad weather! I would have also tried driving since I just don’t fear the snow but that is sometimes the dangerous thinking. It snowed all day here in Jersey too! Snow day for the kids and lots of shoveling and cleaning off cars being done. Today is my mil’s 60th bday party and then a holiday party after that. I still don’t have a sitter for that. So I may be going stag. I guess no wine or bubbly for me then. That’s ok, I am the kind of person who can have fun without the alcohol.
Well, I hope you have a wonderful holiday in Hawaii with Ty. I wish you a safe and enjoyable trip with lots of reading!!
oops- I forgot to put that my favorite song at this time of year is All I want for Xmas is You or the Bon Jovi xmas song but they never play it and I can’t remember the name since I have a migraine for the 7th day in a row:(
Hi Jane, I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you to be able to fly out soon!!
My favorite Christmas carol is Silent Night. I have always loved it, and when my kids were babies & toddlers, that was the song they wanted me to sing to them as we rocked in the rocking chair before bedtime, no matter what time of year it was. Lots of good memories attached to that song.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Have a safe flight & enjoy your holidays!
Merry Christmas! For a traditional song, I love Winter Wonderland. But for a more modern flair, I love Last Christmas by Wham (helped me get through a Christmas break-up many years ago).
Reading by the fire sounds like heaven…my four kids are driving me crazy. They’re all jacked up on sugar and excitement. Christmas can’t come fast enough! Have fun in Hawaii.
Jane, hope you get off to Hawaii safely and on schedule on Sunday. And I’m very glad to hear that you’re feeling altogether yourself that you’re venturing out on a six-hour flight.
Silent Night, Holy Night is my favorite. As the soprano voice soar up to the roof of the church and snow’s falling softly outside…it’s magic!
Sorry to hear about your delay in your flight! But at least your cozy with a fire, and reading great books and “safe”.
My favorite holiday song is “Feliz Navidad”, it reminds me of growing up and seeing my Grandma’s making Tamales for the holidays and everyone happy.
When I lived in Gig Harbor WA for 15 years, I would hear it and miss my family, but would feel warm with all the good memories ! Since my Grandmothers have both passed, I will be making Tamales myself, back home, in California.
O Holy Night is my favorite. Fingers crossed that you make your plane on Sunday – it’s snowing here in MN, too.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, and to all the readers here.
I’m sorry you couldn’t make your flight. I hope you can make it on Sunday! We have been snowed in, in Lake Stevens for a week as well and its too slick to even get out and get to the mall.
Well my favorite old Christmas carol is Silent Night, I think its beautiful. My fave newish Christmas Carole is Mariah Careys version of All I want for Christmas is you!
O Holy Night is a beautiful one and my favorite.
Here is to a wonderful Christmas together with Surfer Ty; the best to both of you.
Another great prize as usual; I love your contests.
My flight to New Hampshire yesterday was cancelled due to weather and I could not get another flight out so I am stuck here while Eric is stuck there! I only hope he can get home tomorrow with more snow forecast tonight & tomorrow for Minneapolis and New England. My favorite Christmas song is probably not really a carol, but a song–I love “Frosty the Snowman”. Happy Holidays, and hope you can make your flight to Hawaii tomorrow. Hugs!
Lesli
Winter Wonderland is my favorite Christmas carol.
All my warmest wishes to you this Holiday Season!
jane..
sorry to hear you are still at home…you get to hawaii. my favorite carol would be silent night…we use to sing it at our christmas pageant every yr at school….and it had always remained my favorite.
My favorite holiday song is Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season!
We left Seattle last Monday for Hawaii — for 3 months. Just before the heavy snow! Just finished reading Flirting With Forty (Kindle version) and loved it! Though I am a good deal older than 40!!
Wishing you a happy, safe trip to Hawaii. All the best for the season. My favorite Christmas carol is Silent Night, Holy Night.
I love the song O Holy Night! In fact my sisters, parents and I are singing that song along with others at church tomorrow morning. I also love All I Want For Christmas Is You!
Hi Jane!
My favorite Christmas song is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams.
Merry Christmas to you, Jane! 🙂
My favorite is Winter Wonderland!
Safe travels to you..
Hi Jane,
My favorite Chirstmas carol is The Christmas song…chestnuts roasting on an open fire!!
I hope you get out of this snow and onto beautiful Hawaii. I was just there in November and it seems like ages ago. I go at least once a year and I love it there. Someday maybe I’ll spend Christmas there! Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Aloha,
Dawn
I have always loved “Christmas Bride” sung by The Ray Conniff Singers.
Hi Jane: I love so many Christmas carols, it’s hard to choose just one. They all bring back memories of my childhood. Lately, I’ve had, “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” stuck in my head.
The snow is piling up here in WA for us. My little girl had her 6th b-day party scheduled for today and of course, no one showed. Anyone want any cupcakes? 🙂 Next year we’ll be having it a few weeks earlier.
I’m wondering if you’ll even be able to fly out tomorrow. If it’s anything like here, you might be stuck at home for another day. Be safe and have a great trip, Jane!
Aloha, Jane!
You can be with Surfer Ty “…if only in your dreams” Being 3000 miles away from my family years ago, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was my favorite. It still brings me comfort when family and friends are not snuggled up with me. “Away in the Manger” reminds me of my Mum and makes me feel safe. All the carols and songs of Christmas helped to soothe my babies to sleep…after I had run out of all the other lullabies…in the middle of JULY!:)
Enjoy this time…it is so important to be able to be your own best company at times.
Stretch your toes in the warm sand for the rest of us.Have fun! Mary J.
Ave Maria is my favourite. I walked down the aisle to it, even though we got married in May.
Hope your flight gets out on Sunday, and that you have a wonderful holiday season!
After spending a lifetime with kids, I would have to say it is a tie between… We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Jingle Bells.. The kids come alive when they sing these songs…You can’t help but smile when you see their happy faces…Happy Trails to you and I hope you are on a jet plane soon!!
Jane,
Be careful ou there. I hope that you made your Sunday flight. Enjoy the warmth that Hawaii has to offer. ONe of my favorite songs is Carol of the Bells.
Hi Jane,
It’s not a Christmas Carol, but a Christmas Song….
Where else can you find something more special than a little child thinking of his momma at Christmas and wanting his/her momma to be beautiful.
Here is part of the song…
Sir I wanna buy these shoes for my Momma please
It’s Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry Sir?
Daddy says there’s not much time
You see, she’s been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes will make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful
If Momma meets Jesus, tonight !
Got to love this !
Happy Holidays
Marcy
Hi Jane,
I love Dominick the Donkey! Not a Christmas Carol, but it always puts a smile on my face while freaking out over the holiday rush!
Keeping my fingers crossed you are on a plane tonight:)
Have a happy and safe trip!
Meg
Hi everyone! This is Jane checking in from Hawaii. Am finally here, and finally had sleep and wanted to post the winner to the contest. #29, Mandy H, you are the winner! Sendme your address in a private email and I’ll work on getting your prize out in the mail to you. Hope all are doing well!
Hi Jane,
Glad you made it safely!! I’m so excited to be the winner, but I must say I’m not sure how to get my email to you privately. Any tips?
Thank you!!
Mandy
Glad to hear from Jane and congrats, Mandy!
Our son arrived one day late at Sea-Tac yesterday and we scrambled to get some groceries and final presents while we could on the thawing roads. I wondered if you made it out and it is a relief to know you did! Here’s to all the crowds getting to where they want to spend the holidays – with their loved ones, safe and sound!
hey jane –
to you and surfer TY —
mele kalikimaka kiddo
hope it was dang merry and bright
soak up some sun for those of us who are watching it snow :o)
peace out
Coming up for air and hoping everyone had a very Merry Christmas!
Enjoy the sun Jane!
Hugs!
melaka leke maka
Guter Anfang, wenn ihr jetzt so weiter macht kommt das sicher noch besser an