Christmas songs and the world rage on
It is time for Christmas holidays around the world. And despite being religious or frankly plainly not, this time of year is that time most of us long to be with someone and feel the love. Or feel that the world isn’t all that bad after all. We hope the evil will just stop. After all who really wants anything other than peace. And still there is always evil around us. We can cover our eyes and pretend it’s not out there, but can we? I don´t like to ruin your holiday feeling approaching, but I hope you send at least a thought of kindness and love to the world during the holidays. We all need it. The world needs it.
We live in such a complex world. While writing this I listen to an old classic christmas song with Nat King Cole. It is his way of singing, his voice and his interpretation and plain dreaming of a better world which made me write these words. This song has followed me and so many other of us, at least in the western world. It may be an american tune and an american singer, but it has become our world heritage somewhat: ”Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire”.
When Nat King Cole sung and recorded this beautiful song, the USA was an apartheid society. I know we are mostly seeing that label connected with South Africa, but it was. My mother, a blonde haired young married woman, in the 50-60´s went to a concert with Nat King Cole in Stockholm, Sweden. He saw her. She said thank you for the concert, with that being basically the only words of english she could and can talk still. Nat King Cole said ”You are very beautiful”, according to my mom. She treasured that moment, and still does. She has never forgotten that moment. And in Sweden at that time people of darker colour was allowed through the main entrance door. And using the same toilet as people with brighter colour. And then he whent back home to USA. This brilliant and iconic artist who have affected generations after generations. These days USA have Obama, for at least two more years. Who´s skin colour in itself is a huge victory. His political legacy I leave out for now.
Most definitely neither of us will ever experience a century period without war and malfunctioning brains of the human race, which is mostly of the male nature. but that moment Nat King Cole sings that tune, that´s when I dream away and hope. Hope for a better world.
Happy Christmas and holiday to everyone.
Care for yourself, someone you love and care for. And send a thought of love to our world of a better peacful world.
Stefan Lindblad
Illustrator & artist
