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Season filled with music favorites

ALPENA — Christmas music begins to dominate the airwaves after Thanksgiving and only increases as Christmas approaches.

Everyone has their own preferences. Some prefer traditional music, others the contemporary remixes and others still enjoy newly created Christmas songs.

In the 19th century there was a surge of Christmas songs that are now commonplace on the airwaves and in people’s homes. Songs such as “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” “Jingle Bells” and “O Holy Night” were all created during this time.

In recent years country music artists have began to release entire albums devoted to Christmas songs. Faith Hill’s “Joy to the World,” Alan Jackson’s “Honky Tonk Christmas” and Kenny Chesney’s “All I Want For Christmas Is a Real Good Tan” are a few examples of the new country music trends.

However, traditional songs were the favorite of two local residents.

Pastor Sue Platt of United Methodist Church in Alpena said she enjoy the classics because the lyrics speak to her.

“Christmas music is very moving,” she said. “I love reading the words about Christ’s words.”

Platt’s favorite was Joy to World because it told the story of how Jesus was born. But she also noticed that people within her congregation seemed to enjoy the holiday music too.

The louder singing and increased participation convinced Platt the Christmas hymns touched everyone’s heart making them more joyful.

John Knapp, also a fan of the more traditional music, said he begins listening to Christmas music usually after the Thanksgiving holiday.

“I turn the Christian radio station on during the day in the office,” he said.

Knapp said while he does listen to some of the contemporary music when played, he enjoys songs such as “Mary, Did You Know?” and “Hallelujah.”

As a member of the Besser Chorus, now in its 69th year, he has been practicing since September for three upcoming performances at area churches. The performances will be on Dec. 11 at the Ossineke Methodist Church, Dec. 15 at the First United Methodist Church and Dec. 18 at the New Beginnings Church in Hillman.

All the events start at 7 p.m. and will run for roughly an hour and a half. While there is no admission, the churches will accept free will donations.

Tyler Winowiecki can be reached via email at twinowiecki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688. Follow Tyler on Twitter tw_alpenanews. Read his blog, Just a Thought … at www.thealpenanews.com.

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