Holidays are celebrated, in part, with food and drink. From the Fourth of July barbecues with ribs and pink lemonade to winter holidays with turkeys, hams, cider, hot chocolate and eggnog, good eatin’ is a staple. No one would argue with that. Nor would anyone likely disagree that music is another important aspect of celebrating special occasions.

About a dozen volunteers recently came together to form an “ad hoc” chorus to contribute to a holiday CD some friends were making. The singers included members of various local groups including Grove Players,  the Downers Grove Music Club, West Towns Chorus and the Downers Grove Choral Society and some singers not currently affiliated with a music group.

These vocalists included Sharon West, Jann Mochelle, Gary Charles Metz, Elaine and Richard Albright, Medge Soline, Don Thompson, Maureen Murphy, Jim Stahulak, Bill Morgan and Tony and Philip Tumea.

They sang “Peace on Earth” and “Holiday Cheer.” The latter song, which I wrote lyrics for, has three simple verses: one for Thanksgiving, one for Christmas and one for New Year’s. The Thanksgiving verse and the refrain express sentiments that are especially appropriate for sharing right now:
 
“On Thanksgiving,
put the turkey in to roast;
raise your glass and make a toast.
Thank the Lord for all you’ve got,
even if it’s not a lot.
Share with others when you can —
give a friend a helping hand.
 
(Refrain)
Dear family and friends, from far and near,
gather together for holiday cheer.
There is much in the world that is grand and great —
There are blessings aplenty to celebrate.”

While food, clothing and toys for children are high on the list of things to share during the holidays, there are lots of other ways people can help each other, too.

The recent bone marrow donor drive held for Erik Brandenburg is one example. A graduate of Downers Grove South High School, he is suffering from Myelodysplastic Syndrome. This is a result of chemotherapy he received as treatment for lymphoma a decade ago. This drive at the Downers Grove Public Library on Saturday was organized by family and friends.

People still can help by visiting www.carepages.com or www.marrow.com or calling (630) 808-9223.