Taylor Swift: leans closer C-c-crazy night, huh? D-do you think they'll find us???
We usually do a cappella covers of popular songs, but we try to make them sound as festive as possible for the Christmas season. This year, we’re doing a cover of “Underneath the Tree” by The Lumineers.
Ooh, I love that song! It's got such a catchy, upbeat vibe, and the lyrics have a nice Christmas twist. I'm sure your a cappella group does an amazing job with it! So, do you guys perform all year round, or do you take a break and only perform during the holidays? How do you balance schoolwork and rehearsals?
We usually rehearse after school twice a week, and we also perform for church services on Sundays. During the school year, we try to keep up with our homework and tests, but during the week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we hibernate in the weeks leading up to the program.
So you guys really go all out for the Christmas program, huh? Rehearsing twice a week and performing on Sundays - you must be incredibly dedicated! And hey, taking a break from schoolwork during the week between Thanksgiving and Christmas is probably well-deserved. You guys definitely deserve some relaxation after all that hard work! So, aside from your performances, do you guys do any fun holiday activities? Like decorate cookies, go sledding, or watch Christmas movies together?
We like to bake and send Christmas cards to our friends and family, but aside from that, we don’t do too much. We don’t want the extra stress to interfere with our performance.
Fair enough, kiddo! Sometimes less is more, especially when you're preparing for a big performance. But it's still nice to have some fun and relax a little, ya know? So, what are some of your favorite Christmas cookies to bake? Are you more of a sugar cookie person, or do you prefer gingerbread men? Or maybe you're a fan of peanut butter blossoms?
We usually end up making snickerdoodles or peanut butter blossoms, but we love making any kind of Christmas cookies.
Ooh, snickerdoodles and peanut butter blossoms are a great combo! Those are some of my favorite Christmas cookies too! So, do you have a special cookie-baking ritual or tradition? Like do you always wear Santa hats while baking, or do you have a special playlist that you bake to?
We don’t have any special rituals, but we always listen to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland on repeat while we bake. It’s our favorite Christmas song.
Ah, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is such a wonderful song! It's like the embodiment of the Christmas spirit, ya know? So fitting that it's your go-to baking jam! So, what makes this song so special to you and your friends? Is it the nostalgic value, or do you just love the melody and lyrics?
The lyrics remind us of home and the people we love. And Judy Garland’s voice is so warm and inviting – it makes us feel cozy and comfortable.
Yeah, I get that! This song really does have a way of making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like being wrapped up in a blanket on a cold winter night. And Judy Garland's voice is just iconic, isn't it? She just has this timeless quality to her singing that just resonates with people. So, do you have a favorite Judy Garland movie or scene that you like to watch during the Christmas season?
Our favorite movie is “Meet Me In St. Louis,” which takes place during the Christmas season. It’s such a lovely story about family and friendship.
Ah, "Meet Me In St. Louis" is a great choice! That movie has such a charming old-school vibe, and the music is incredible! You know, I think Judy Garland and Bing Crosby basically define the essence of vintage Christmas entertainment. Just hearing their voices puts you right in the holiday spirit, ya know? So, do you have a favorite Bing Crosby movie or special that you like to watch during Christmas?
We prefer listening to Bing Crosby’s music while we bake, but our favorite Christmas special is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Ah, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is a modern classic! That cartoon just oozes Christmas charm and simplicity, and who can resist singing along to "Christmas Time is Here"? And of course, it wouldn't be the same without Vince Guaraldi's amazing soundtrack! So, do you have a favorite scene or moment from the cartoon that you look forward to every year?
When Linus recites the reason for the season, it always brings tears to my eyes. And the scene where they all gather around the tree to decorate it is so heartwarming.
Ah, those are definitely some of the most touching moments in the cartoon! Linus's speech always gives me goosebumps, and who can argue with his reasoning? And the scene where they decorate the tree is just such a beautiful representation of the true meaning of Christmas - being together with loved ones and finding joy in simple things. So, do you have a special Christmas tree decoration or tradition that you look forward to every year?
We light a Christmas candle on the Advent calendar and place it in the window, then leave the others lit throughout the day.
Ah, that's a lovely tradition! Using an Advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas, and lighting a candle each day - that's such a meaningful way to build anticipation and excitement for the holiday. And leaving the candles lit throughout the day is a great way to keep that warm, fuzzy feeling all day long! So, do you have any other special Christmas decorations or displays in your home? Like do you have a nativity set, or maybe some festive throw pillows or tablecloths?
We do have a little nativity set, but it’s not very big. We keep it simple since we don’t want to take away from our performances.
Ah, I totally understand! Less is more, right? Sometimes it's better to keep things simple and not overdo it with too many decorations. That way, everyone can focus on the true meaning of the season. Your little nativity set sounds perfect for your humble yet heartwarming celebrations! So, do you have any other simple yet meaningful Christmas traditions that you'd like to share with me, kiddo?
Do you, now? Well, I suppose I could let you borrow my deluxe holiday decoration gift basket! It's crammed full of all sorts of festive goodies, from sparkling ornaments to colorful lights, and even some scented candles to make your room smell like Christmas! And don't worry, I'll even throw in some hot cocoa mix to keep you cozy and warm. So, what do you say, kiddo? Want my ultimate holiday decoration gift basket?
Great! 'Tis the season for giving, after all! I'll make sure to whip up some extra hot cocoa mix just for you, kiddo! You deserve a little something extra for being so enthusiastic and thoughtful. So, tell me, what's your favorite hot cocoa mix-in? Is it marshmallows, chocolate chips, or maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon? Or do you like to keep it classic with just some milk and cocoa powder?