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The Happiest Time of The Year

by Dear Reader

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about

Dear Reader’s new Christmas single, “The Happiest Time of the Year”, is already getting people into the true spirit of Christmas, bringing people from around the world together through a desire to spread goodwill to those most in need.
 
Dear Reader’s Cherilyn MacNeil asked the band’s friends and fans to take part in the song’s creation by sending videos of themselves singing or playing along. These were then incorporated into the final recording and music video.

The result is a jubilant and heart-warming Christmas song that reaches out across borders, spreading it’s love far and wide - All proceeds from “The Happiest Time of the Year” are being donated to HelpRefugees (www.helprefugees.org).
 
“The Happiest Time of the Year” is available for purchase on Bandcamp for 2,50€. For the price of a hot chocolate or a Glüwein you will be making the world a slightly better place this Christmas. Every cent counts. And a little Christmas cheer never did anyone any harm either!
 
Help Refugees (www.helprefugees.org) is a charity that works together with local organisations in Calais, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Serbia and the UK to get aid to refugees when and where they need it most. Their aim is to be as effective and transparent as possible, and 89% of all funds donated to Help Refugees goes directly towards supporting displaced people. 

lyrics

Lyrics:

Most of the leaves have fallen now and winter's at the door
Our beloved sun has gone a-voyaging abroad
Walking the streets of the city I smile at people bundled tight
All of the hands of the lovers entwined, begloved against the bite

And if the weather gods are kind to us this year
They might send snow to cloak the parks in ghostly white
But even without snow our hearts are full of cheer
For it is Christmas time, the happiest time of the year

All of the windows lit up with the glow of paper stars unfolded
Sending their warmth out into the chill of a dark December night
All of the squares of the city are doused in wonderful aroma
The roasting of chestnuts and mulling of wine to stave away the cold

And if the weather gods are kind to us this year
They might send snow to cloak the parks in ghostly white
But even without snow our hearts are full of cheer
For it is Christmas time, the happiest time of the year

An old bearded man from the north
A divine baby born in the east
Western civilisation
Southern colonisation
Corporate profits and greed
Plastic crap nobody needs
Pagan traditions and feast
God knows what it really means
But with luck it's a little respite
And a day spent with people you like
The absence of hurry and fear
The happiest time of the year

And if the weather gods are kind to us this year
They might send snow to cloak the parks in ghostly white
But even without snow our hearts are full of cheer
For it is Christmas time, the happiest time of the year

credits

released December 6, 2019
Words and Music by Cherilyn MacNeil
Mixed by Paul Pilot
Artwork by Benjamin Metz
Filmed and recorded by Gil Hockman

Guitar, vocals and other bits and pieces - Cherilyn MacNeil
Bass and fiddle - Graham DeZarn
Viola - Jean-Louise Parker
Trombones - Danny Alford, Will Karceski, Ryan Murray, Sam Anderson

Choir:

Alain André
Albertine Sarges
Anett Barz
Barbara Steinitz
Benedikt
Benjamin Metz
Cait Macleod
Carola Storz
Danny Alford
Evelyn Saylor
Franziska
Gil Hockman
Graham DeZarn
Hans Gnendinger
Isabelle Ulfsdotter
Jean-Louise Parker
Jimmy Hillberg
Julia Marcell
Katharina Gnendinger
Kindliche Kaiserin
Laura Eisen
Lazo
Madelyn Barnard-Smit
Marco Wese
Marie von der Heydt
Mella Tönnies
Metaphortune
Patrick
Paul Pilot
perepece
Petra Harrison
Phaneendra Kiledar
Philipp Röttgers
Rouven
Ryan Murray
Sam Anderson
Sam Vance-Law
Svenja
Theresa Vosdellen
Ursina
Fräulein Schmiebikus
Will Karceski
Zippo Zimmerman

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Dear Reader Berlin, Germany

Art-pop songstress born and raised in Johannesburg. Spent 12 years observing Berliners in their native habitat. Presently posing as country gal in Blue Ridge Mountains.

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