A Scottish Christmas - Music of Scotland

Scottish music is Celtic Music, but to me the music of Scotland reminds me of my ancestors, and Christmas makes memories more vivid.

May I take a short moment to share just a wee bit of my heritage? Then on we will go to look at this wonderful collection of music.

My grandmother came over on a ship with her brother and sister shortly after her youngest sister passed away from Leukemia. Her father was already in America getting settled in a home and business before bringing his family to join him. I have copies of the letters written back and forth between my great-grandfather and great-grandmother...heartbreaking letters...as father could not be there to see his daughter before she passed away and mother was left to deal with the passing. Then my great-grandmother made all the arrangements of moving to American, packed up the remaining children (including my grandmother), got on a ship, and come to America through Ellis Island. Can you imagine? When I feel overwhelmed I think of this...her courage...but it is not sadness that I want to focus on here, it is music.

But I sense myself getting distracted once again..by food!

Scotch Shortbread is a tradition at Christmas, passed down from my Grandmother. She was 12 when she came over from Scotland, so she lost most of her Scottish accent, but her sister and brother and the woman he married, also from Scotland, never lost their Scottish brogue. It was a familiar sound at Christmas gatherings and visits. I miss it now, as years have taken them on to a grander place. Their memories are enough for now to keep a smile on my face.

But you are here for Scottish music, aren't you? So let's move on from my sentimental thoughts about family and Scotland, and see what we have for you.