“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is a song written in 1963 by Edward Pola and George Wyle. It was recorded and released that same year by Andy Williams for his first Christmas album, The Andy Williams Christmas Album. Since then, the song has become part of many holiday albums. Johnny Mathis, Amy Grant, Garth Books, and Harry Connick, Jr. recorded the song. In 1995, the song was used humorously in a commercial for Staples Office Supply for their annual “back-to-school” campaign. In the commercials, the parents joyously shop for school supplies to this song in anticipation of the upcoming school year while their children sullenly follow. In 2018, Sprite made a parody titled “It’s The Most Thirstiest Time of The Year,” featuring a celebrity advertising their Sprite Cranberry.
For those who are balancing home and work, the stress associated with the holidays can be overwhelming. Many organizations, including The Mayo Clinic, offer advice and suggestions about how to have a safer, calmer, and more relaxing holiday season.
Our favorite suggestion for managing the holiday season is from Making Music, Three Ways Singing Makes You Healthier. If you are stressed, singing is a simple and effective way to improve your overall health and well-being. Besides the physical benefits (strengthening your immune system) and emotional and mental benefits (singing is a natural antidepressant), there are the social benefits (sharing a moment of happiness with yourself and others around you). Wow! Read that reason again, “sharing a moment of happiness with yourself and others around you.”
Choose a popular holiday song; ours is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” People recognize the tune; some of us might even know the lyrics. Co-workers, members or residents, and family members will respond positively when they hear you hum, sing, or say, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you, “be of good cheer.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
It’s the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings
And gay happy meetings when friends come to call
It’s the hap-happiest season of all.”
If you want more suggestions about balancing your responsibilities, check out this list by The Career Foundation because it follows the best holiday advice; keep it simple!
Be Present. Devote your focus to the task at hand.
Be Flexible. Be prepared for the unexpected.
Be Transparent. Know your priorities and make room for them in your calendar.
Embrace the Pause. No one can do it all! Allow time to recharge, refocus and relax.
Be Social. The best part of the holidays is connecting and coming together. It is the most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy!