“It’s all a charade. The world has not understood the way of peace. The whole world is at war. A war can be justified, so to speak, with many, many reasons, but when all the world as it is today, at war, piecemeal though that war may be—a little here, a little there—there is no justification.”

-Pope Francis

When I first read this quote about the “charade “of Christmas from Pope Francis, my initial reaction was “Really, you gotta break it down like that?” But, within seconds, I completely agreed with him. This facade of Peace On Earth and Goodwill To Men really is a complete joke this year. We are all wrapped up in evil energy (Donald Trump, I’m speaking to you!), and to carry on with our holiday shenanigans is kinda like burying our heads in the sand.

But, when I look at my kids I see that their excitement for the holiday cannot be contained. They know very little about the current events that shaped 2015, but they know plenty about Christmas lights and presents and Santa and family parties and cookie decorating. They love this season, and through them I am able to renew my excitement for the spirit of the season. And sorta forget about all the troubles plaguing this weary planet of ours.

Perhaps one of the most joyful ways we connect with the season is through Christmas music. Of course the kids know all the words to “Rudolph” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” but I find that they all settle down quite nicely when I turn on something a little less mainstream. Some of the best cuddles of the year happen when peaceful hymns play in the house.

Here are some Christmas songs we like that skip the saccharine – and remind us what this time of the year can be:

1. I Believe In Father Christmas – U2 (such a lovely song from one of the world’s biggest bands)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDfYfJ6EoWk

2. Comfort, Comfort Ye My People – The Many (oh this one is so, so good)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oabuvwwflAg

3. Silent Night – Elizabeth Mitchell (pretty much anything she creates is pure wonder and beauty)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phmH-0Zfm_E

4. Here We Come A Wassailing – Kate Rusby (all four kids LOVE this one!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZjQTCaJCEY

5. Come Thy Fount – Audrey Assad (she has such a lovely and angelic voice)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xWwnqfl8J4

6. Dan Gibson’s Christmas Classics – Dan Gibson (my mom used to play this on snowy winter mornings, and I’m happy to say I’m doing the same thing for my kids)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caLWepZel_I