0
0
Throwing no shade on a family Christmas, as it’s all about being together if you’re able to; but this year, I seized the opportunities as they appeared!
There’s a mix of traditions and different plans this year.
First up the traditions:
For the last 6 years (since 2020) I’ve presented my 12 days of Christmas over in my Den
What it includes now:
- Me singing a customised version of the 12 days of Christmas.
- A FULL Christmas tune for each day
- A different Popsy Dress each day
- Featuring various Tropic lip products.
- A very festive piano!
- An offer/competition or game for each day.
Everyone who gets involved loves it, and many have said it’s the highlight of the year for my Den!
Best bit? It’s FREE to get involved, so don’t miss out! Join Jen’s Musical Self Care Den today!
The other tradition that is being forged, is my annual Christmas Concert. This year marks my THIRD in person Christmas Concert, and my sixth Christmas concert, as I built my confidence up gradually, starting with three virtual Christmas Concerts which began in lockdown.
On Saturday 6th December I take to Llandegfan Parish Hall to perform a full programme of Christmas music. I love to give the opportunity to my students to be able to share the performance space with me, but this year most had a clash they couldn’t avoid. (There’s a lot of relatives with milestone birthdays this year!) but this year is also special, as I have my first adult performing.
Karen is one of my newer cohort, but she doesn’t attend for piano lessons, she has collaboration sessions where she sings, and I accompany her. I’ve enjoyed the last couple of months, adapting one of her original songs, and learning “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” to be able to record for her to use. This concert she’ll be singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and I’ll be accompanying her.
For the Under 18s, we have Alex, who is the reason I found my niche as a Neurodivergent and ADHD friendly piano tutor. He’ll be performing an adapted version of Fairytale of New York as it’s his dad’s favourite Christmas song!
The rest of the programme is down to me, I have 13 other pieces to prepare, but I’m ready, and it’s important to be confident in the knowledge that you don’t have to be perfect to be a success!
Here’s the programme for Saturday 6th. You can prebook tickets here, or turn up on the door and pay that way.
The Breaking of Traditions
This year I have two opportunities that I had to seize, as I love the chance to play Christmas tunes for an actual purpose!
First up is Christmas Eve, I’ll be entertaining on the piano between 2.30 and 5.30 for the Afternoon Teas in Chateau Rhianfa – Technically I did the same occasion last year, so it was nice to be asked back for a second year, as I absolutely loved it last year!
And Secondly, I’ve been asked to play at Tavern on the Bay for the Christmas Lunches on Christmas Day. I’ll be there 12-3pm, and am really excited to be able to play all the Christmas tunes for a second day in a row.
My back won’t thank me but I must remember to not play solidly for 3 hours and take some small breaks in between the hours! (And I have Pilates on my side now, so I know how to relieve the back pain if I end up suffering!)
This does mean that I’m not spending Christmas with my family in the same way that I usually do, but Dr G told me to “go for it!” so that’s what I’m doing this year!
I may miss out on my Christmas Day dinner, but all that means is I don’t have to buy all the ingredients myself. I’ve got plenty of events planned before Christmas Day to enjoy my Turkey Dinner, and technically I’ve already had three Turkey Dinners 😉 (I’ll be having my Christmas Pudding still though, as restaurants don’t tend to offer that in Gluten Free!)
Table of Contents
