It seems incredible that 2020 is finally drawing to a close and we are beginning to think about the festive season (I know, I know…it gets earlier every year). Last year, Christina Martin scored a hit with ‘This Christmas’, which has had over 740,000 streams on Spotify. Now, she has followed it up with ‘Kisses for Christmas’ through which she urges us to recognise the simple, innocent pleasures of spending time with those important to us. This year, perhaps more than any other, we all need to acknowledge what is really meaningful in our lives and, as Martin sings: “Trade presents for time.”
It’s an important sentiment, especially as we don’t really know what Christmas will look like in 2020. Martin explains: “Who remembers all the presents they got growing up? Maybe the one Playmobil mansion, a first electric guitar, or a prized stuffed animal or G.I. Joe, but there was probably a lot of other ‘stuff’ that just went to waste. It is the most thoughtful and heartfelt gestures that stay with us: the company and laughs, the festive traditions of trees bursting with lights and tinsel, cinnamon and pine scented candles, music and fireside hangs that make us feel warm and fuzzy inside.”
The performances of multi-instrumentalist Dale Murray and drummer Jordi Comstock complement the timeless style Martin has channelled for this festive song. Martin and Murray are hosting a virtual Christmas party on 13th December. Details and tickets are available here. By the time the party begins, this song may already be another festive hit.
It’s hard to argue with the sentiment of ‘Kisses for Christmas’. There’s no place for materialism or cynicism. The Canadian singer-songwriter puts it well when she says: “Let’s keep it simple this year and focus on what matters.” Indeed. Let this be the start of a season of peace and goodwill.
