When you see a crowd walking down a busy city sidewalk, or a group waiting for a bus, or drivers impatiently staring at a crimson traffic light in a busy intersection, you see all kinds of people — adults mostly — many with tired eyes, some with grizzled chins, and most with expressionless faces. The world seems old and worn out.

But on Christmas day it’s not that way. I think everyone at some time from Christmas eve ‘till Christmas evening returns to the land of their youth — at least for a while. Do you?

So many Christmas songs involve children — one child always figures prominently, but others have their roles as well. One that captures me is a little musician in a fairly recent Christmas creation, “The Little Drummer Boy”:

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum. (“Little Drummer Boy” Davis, Onerati, Simeone)

It’s a ridiculously simple song, but I think it cuts right to the heart of the season. I especially like the second verse as the speaker says: “I am a poor boy too…I have no gift to bring…that’s fit to give the King.” And no one does — except for the gift of our very essence, represented in this case by a simple musical rhythm played out on a cheap drum. When we give our essence, what happens? He smiles at us. Considering who the “He” is, the response is more than enough. And childhood is a worthy place to be. — Bob Tatum

Sound Traveler will be caroling tonight in the neighborhood. Listen for the sound of a trumpet, guitar, and voices filling the night air. We are also working up an informal lunch tour of the area. Keep posted for details. By all means make plans for New Year’s Eve at Appleby’s on Merritt Island.

To respond to this post, click on the title, scroll down and share your cheer.

4 Comments to “SongTravelin’ 12.20.10 — Everyone’s a Child at Christmas”

• December 20, 2010 at 10:42 am
  Libby says:

  Thats my favrite xmas song. I’m glad you put all the words there.
• December 20, 2010 at 11:43 am
  Sarah says:

  This is one of Moms favorite Christmas songs too
  I especially love the version that Bing Crosby and David Bowie do together. Beautiful
  Merry Christmas
• December 20, 2010 at 1:06 pm
  Heather says:

  Thanks for sharing. I loved the Little Drummer Boy t.v. special the very best, when I was a child. Also, when I walked into The Grand Floridian hotel yesterday, I got tears in my eyes. Why? It was so beautifully decorated. But mainly, because I remembered all the special feelings of being a child and being in awe at Christmas, in awe of all the beauty, the magic, the special times with family and friends, and the special message of Christ’s birth which is at the heart of Christmas. — Glad you and Patty were there for a little “Christmas magic” for us to share together.
• December 22, 2010 at 12:22 am
  Linda says:

  Wish I could have been their to hear you guys caroling! Your music is magical!