I thought I’d share a story about one Christmas when I was a boy. I tell this one sometimes at facilities I play for, so hopefully you haven’t heard it. I must have been about 6 or 7 years old when this occurred. I was not a particularly good kid. I didn’t get into trouble in the neighborhood, but I was someone my mom would call “contrary” because I was belligerent and disobedient towards her and my dad. I was the kid you wanted to smack at the store because I was always begging my mother for something. She called it the “gimmes” - “Gimme this.” or “Gimme that.” I think I was always doing something they told me not to because I sure remember a lot of spankings. Anyway, one memorable Christmas I wanted something from Santa in the worst way. I don’t remember what it was - probably a toy car or gun or something. My parents must have decided together that they would teach me a lesson this Christmas because on Christmas morning after all the presents were unwrapped I was sitting there with a disappointed look on my face - not having gotten that one toy I wanted more than anything else. My mother asked me why I looked so sad, and I told her that I didn’t get that one present that I wanted so much from Santa. She asked me why I thought that was, and I said it was probably because I wasn’t a good boy that year. She asked me if I thought I could be a better boy the next year, and I penitently said I would. She then said that she heard Santa banging around in the front closet when he was at our house, and that maybe I should look and see if there were any more presents there. I opened the door, and there was the thing I wanted so badly. I was so happy! Now do you think that I was a good boy the next year? Probably not, but it made me at least think that year about being good, and the story has stayed with me for 50 years.
What have I been up to?
Magpies the Friday before last was great fun starting the Christmas season with everyone. I don’t remember what we settled on for music eventually, but I’m sure there were a lot of ’60’s tunes. We always seem to gravitate there - probably because I love the ’60’s so much.
The Council of State Governments event on the following Saturday was also great fun. It was at the Broadmoor which was very difficult to get into and set up with new security measures since the last time I played there, but after I got through that it was fine with great state reps who wanted to have a good time. I ended up going back to their hospitality room after the gig to play some more music. Stellar folks!
Last Saturday I had a surprise birthday party for a special gal and her husband and friends at the beautifully-decorated Robison Mansion in Cañon City. I didn’t write about it in case it got back to her, but it included a short concert and then lots of dancing. It was so enjoyable. Happy Birthday, Sheila!
What am I up to this week?
Friday night 7-10 I’m back at Magpies for our annual Christmas sing-along. It’s always a free-flowing time with song sheets of old Christmas favorites for anyone who wants to sing out. I often get the comment that folks had forgotten how much fun it is to sing the old favorites together. Come on out and joy in the festivities!
Sunday night 7-8ish MST I’m doing my annual free Christmas living room concert at concertwindow.com/tommunch. If you haven’t ever tuned in, I basically set up my computer or tablet on the coffee table, hook up a good mic, and broadcast a concert to anyone who wants to listen. You can login at the site and chat with other folks who are listening and also make requests. It’s a great way to reach out and sing for folks all over the globe. Isn’t technology amazing? Please tune in on your phone, tablet, or computer.
That’s it for this week. If I don’t write next week have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I’ll also tell you to “Be Good!” as my dad always told us kids - especially because Santa is coming!
Best always,
Tom
Details this week:
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing & singing
Where: Magpies, 229 S. Union, Pueblo. 719-542-5522
When: Friday, Dec 16, 7-10 pm
Who: Tom Munch
What: playing and singing Christmas favorites
Where: online at https://www.concertwindow.com/tommunch
When: Sunday, December 18, 7-8ish pm MST
