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Holiday Greetings!
Awhile back I posted on my personal Facebook page that I had decorated my Christmas tree all by myself, with Bing Crosby crooning in the background. And I didn’t even cry. The holidays are a time when the music we hear can really grab us and plunge us deep into memories, eliciting a strong emotional response. Happy or sad - and often happy and sad at the same time! Do you know what I mean?
For years I sang Oh Holy Night standing next to my mother in church. We would harmonize and our voices were perfectly matched. After she passed away it was years before I could sing that song. I just couldn’t do it without crying. It’s been almost 25 years since she’s been gone. I miss her still – especially this time of year. But now – I can sing Oh Holy Night. It makes me happy to remember my mom. I also experience the sadness of missing her. One simple song and a full range of emotions and reflections. And what a gift to have this musical memory of her.
Wishing you all a holiday season that brings you beautiful music, fond memories and the opportunity to create new memories with your loved ones and friends.
Yours in song,
Mary Sue
PS. Make sure to check out this week’s guest column “Helping Grandma Find the Christmas Spirit”. Written by Olivia Coolman, age 15.
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Mary Sue and Glen Eagle Wish You a
Musical Merry Christmas
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Little One’s Family Concert
December 22nd
10:30 am
The Little Fleet
(corner of Wellington & Front, Traverse City)
Join Mary Sue and her special guest Christy Burich for a winter concert family style!
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Perfect Stocking Stuffers - Music for Young and Old
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Songs You Know By Heart – Mary Sue Wilkinson
Price $15 plus $3 shipping
Songs You Know By Heart is a collection of 18 favorites from the Young at Heart Music program. The CD features Mary Sue’s crystal clear vocals on classics such as Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Shine On Harvest Moon, Sunny Side of the
 Street, You Are My Sunshine and more. Great to listen to and perfect for singing along. |
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Ms. Tiyi’s Garden -
Tiyi Schippers and
Mary Sue Wilkinson
Price $10 plus $3 shipping
Ms. Tiyi’s Garden features original stories and songs from Tiyi Schippers and Mary Sue Wilkinson. Delightful music sure to please young children AND their parents. Action songs to move to, story songs to act out, silly songs to laugh with and Ms. Tiyi’s original story and song with an important message  Sticks and stones may break your bones but words can break your heart”.
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Grandma Mary’s Frozen Cranberry Salad
Combine
1 -16 ounce can jellied cranberry sauce (mashed with a fork)
3 T lemon juice
Combine
1 cup whipped cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup powdered sugar
Fold together with cranberry sauce
Freeze 
Cover with 1 cup chopped nuts
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Mary Sue Recommends:
Holiday Tips for Everyone Dealing with Dementia
(click for pdf)
from Teepa Snow.
Sign up to receive Teepa Snow's Newsletter www.teepasnow.com
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Helping Grandma Find the Christmas Spirit
Guest column by Olivia Coolman, age 15
I was helping my Nana put up Christmas decorations recently and she told me that she wasn’t feeling “in the Christmas spirit.” Being fifteen years old and since it was December 1st, I personally was extremely ready for Christmas. So I gave her some “granddaughterly” advice. I’ll share it with you in case you too might need a little help getting in the holiday spirit.
First of all I told her to find the channel on her TV for holiday music (Channel 941 on Charter) and to turn the music up while baking cookies or something yummy for her neighbors. I also suggested she go for a walk in her building and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. The Hallmark Channel also has a bunch of sweet Christmas movies 24 hours a day. I told her to wear her Christmas jammies every night and decorate the house up big to remind her every day what time of year it is.
I reminded Nana that she would never find the Christmas spirit by sitting alone when it is the season to share joy and happiness with others. I guess she took my advice to heart. A few days later, my Nana told me that she had invited seven of her  neighbor ladies over for a little Christmas party to enjoy some of her favorite snacks and music. I hope that until December 26th, all I hear when I am outside my Nana’s apartment door is Christmas music. Spread some joy, love your family, and have a very Merry Christmas!
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Share this newsletter using Facebook, Twitter or by email using the buttons below.
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 Mary Sue Wilkinson is the founder of Singing Heart to HeartTM and the Young at Heart Music Program. She is a career educator and professional musician. And she loves to sing! Her flagship program, Young at Heart Music, is devoted to bringing the joy of music and singing to seniors with decades of life experiences and memories tied to music. Mary Sue is available as a speaker sharing her expertise about the power of music to awaken memories and bring joy. Together with Tiyi Schippers, Mary Sue also provides music experiences for young children and training for early childhood educators.
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