Four Xmases ago, I was walking down Sacks 5th Avenue to see the holiday lights. My boyfriend-at-the-time's father said, "We won't miss you in the sea of heads with that red beret on." The wonder on the faces, especially the children, as we watched the lights dance was a sight to behold. Yet, there was a tenacious bustle about everyone, the pressure to find all the gifts palpable. Rather than presence, there was an undercurrent of that hunt for presents.

It was these scene that inspired me to write Red Beret a year later. It's not merely a Xmas song. It lays out with jazzy melodies reminiscent of Xmas classics such as Christmas Song, yet has a more hymn like quality overall as it not has poignant lyrics, but paints a melodic picture with each verse building upon one another.

I chose a simple setting for this piece, sung unaccompanied. It is a vocal poem for the holiday heavy heart. This song pulls you back into what is the true meaning of Xmas. It's not about commercialism. It's about our hearts. Share yours and enjoy this beautiful original tone poem that is made to soothe the inner Scrooge.

The story is a creation that came about with dear simplicity and ease as I listened to my own song. It was a sweet gift to myself and a gift to you. I hope you enjoy The Red Beret with your loved ones this holiday season.