our musical advent calendar, day 05

Inspired by Pinterest, Anna wanted to do an advent calendar. And inspired by Advent Conspiracy, she wanted to make it about presence, not presents. Ian had a brilliant idea to use music. We each picked out some of our favorite Christmas songs and will be counting down with festive tunes.

day 05. "All My Bells Are Ringing" - Lenka, Winter Songs

I bought the Winter Songs album our first married Christmas season, shortly after seeing the "Winter Song" music video, by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, on YouTube. I can't resist female singer/songwriter music, apparently. I fell in love with the album (except for Katy Perry's rendition of "White Christmas," in which she sounds hung over). And this song quickly became my favorite. It's so cheery (even if it is about unrequited love) and the chorus seemed especially appropriate for a newlywed Christmas.

— Anna

Mistletoe and holly deck the halls
But you don't come around and you don't call
Well it's just like the season to be lonely
And my heart is beating for you only

Take my heart this Christmas
I'll wrap it in a ribbon and a bow
Yes take my heart this Christmas
Take it wherever you go

Everybody has someone to hold
Nestle by the fire in from the cold
But I don't hear the carols they are singing
And I've only got one thing good for giving

So take my heart this Christmas
I'll wrap it in a ribbon and a bow
Yes take my heart this Christmas
Take it wherever you go

All my bells are ringing just for you
And I got no desire for someone new

So take my heart this Christmas
I'll wrap it in a ribbon and a bow
Yes take my heart this Christmas
Take it wherever you go
Take it wherever you go