Well, it’s almost Christmas. I grew up hating the holiday season because my folks were stressed and on Christmas my dad often started drinking tequila by 9am because, well, family. But my dear wife has been training me in a new way of thinking about the holidays for the last 12 years of marriage, and it’s finally rubbing off. I’m trying not to think too hard about how I hate the ways that corporations have co-opted the holiday to be about getting and buying rather than sacrifice and giving. I’m trying not to think about the fact my kids have been asking for Christmas presents since December 26 of last year.

What I am thinking about is the music that makes me remember the last 12 years of Christmas with my whip-smart gorgeous wife and my insane goofball kids who I love beyond understanding. So this email is all about the music that warms me up, and makes me feel alright about these holidays – with family.