Happy December 2020! I’ve seen many posts and meme’s about the year 2020 and looking forward to year 2021. As of this month, the nation is looking forward to the recent news that a vaccine is on the way. Science works for us, and I am hopeful that the year to come will bring hope and healing to us all.
I hope you and your family are doing well. I know, in typical years past, the holidays sometimes come with a mixed bag of emotions for folks. The pandemic has added another layer of anxieties which can run high. Children can feel anxious when off schedule. People with Parkinson’s can have feelings of apathy due to isolation and little social stimulation. People with cognitive impairment can become more confused. Caregivers can feel very fatigued. Finding ways where we, or our loved ones, can have good moments of respite, relaxation, and engagement in enjoyable but relaxing activities is key. What are some ways that help you or the one you care for rest from the stress of life and the holidays?
Here’s an idea: If you were to write one verse of song to reflect your hopes for the new year what would you write?
Have you caught any of the “Feel Good Friday” videos on the In Harmony Music Facebook or Instagram pages? This past week, to start off December, I sang the traditional carol, Deck the Halls. While I was practicing, it struck me that the last verse talks about looking forward to the new year ahead!
Fast away the old year passes…Fa…La…Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa…La…Sing we joyous all together, Fa…La…Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa…La…
I am glad to see the year 2020 go! It hasn’t been easy and we really should not be heedless, especially when it comes to social distancing and wearing masks in public. So I wrote this verse:
Finally 2020 passes! Fa…La…Hail soon vaccines are coming in masses! Fa..La..,Sing we now all social distanced ..Fa…La..Mindful of wearing our masks in this instance …Fa..La!
Rewriting song lyrics and “piggybacking” on familiar tunes is a way to creatively express what one is feeling at the time. The familiar melody and the sentiment of the song brings structure to the activity, but the lyrics are our own to figure out. As a music therapist, this is one of the activities I often use to bring out creativity, support communication, and encourage self-expression in individuals. All non-musical, individual goals of making music for therapy.
Again, if you were to write a verse about the year 2020 how would it go? You could use this song tune and structure, or find another that fits your feelings and thoughts at the moment.
Click Here to watch me singing my version of Deck the Halls!
In my practice I have worked with individuals and groups of all ages and various needs to promote wellness and support. If you’d like to know more about music therapy services as the new year approaches, feel free to reach out to me. This month, you can schedule a free 30 minute consultation by clicking here. I’m working through December 18 and then taking two weeks off for the holidays. Currently, I’m scheduling teletherapy sessions for January and have available times. I’m still watching the occurance of COVID-19 cases in Middle Tennnessee and until the incidence cases go down significantly, I am still holding off on in-person sessions. Keep an eye out for the next blog post in two weeks as I will talk more about my plans for January and give you another songwriting idea!
Until then, be well, wear your mask, and sing a song!
–Ms. Carrie
Be inspired this season! 