"Grown Up Christmas List" #MusicMonday

“So here's my lifelong wish
My grown-up Christmas List
Not for myself, but for a world in need.”

Source: YouTube

We spent the weekend decorating the house for Christmas, something that certainly takes us a lot longer these days then it used to. But we enjoy it, and have all the Christmas playlists on repeat the entire time.

One of my favorite Christmas songs of all time is “Grownup Christmas List.” For me, it’s the reason for the season and it’s all about harmony, peace, and what I would call “self-actualization.” Originally written by David Foster and Linda Thompson-Jenner and first recorded by David Foster as a duet with Natalie Cole in 1990.

While that version didn’t necessarily hit stride, when Amy Grant covered it in 1992 it got some traction. Here’s her version:

“No more lives torn apart
And wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list.”

Then in 2001, Barbra Steisand covered it with such grace, as she always does:

I’ll be honest though and say that my favorite version is from Kelly Clarkson in 2017 where it hit its highest chart performance.

Just beautiful. So meaningful. And sadly still very timely. Let’s add all of these things to our wish list.

What’s your experience? JIM