Ep. 4 S5 Silent Night with Diane Freeman

For Diane Freeman, "Silent Night" is that song that transports her to a different time and place. It takes her right back to her childhood Christmases with her mom. Even though Diane's mom passed away when she was just four, those early memories stuck around. Her mom used to sing "Silent Night" with her in church at midnight mass, candles flickering all around. It was pure magic. Diane also has a special connection to the song through a music box—a beautiful angel gifted by her dad from one of his trips to Japan. This box belonged to her grandmother before it came to Diane, and its sweet tune fills her heart with memories of her mom and grandma whenever it plays. It's a little piece of history that ties her to them.

Let’s take a little detour here and chat about the song itself. "Silent Night" was birthed all the way back in 1818 by an Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr. The story goes that the church organ was on the fritz, so Mohr whipped up this beautiful carol to perform with just a guitar. And it worked—big time! Fast forward a few hundred years, and "Silent Night" has become one of the most beloved Christmas carols around. Everyone from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey has lent their voice to it, giving us countless versions to love.

As Diane grew into her adult years, she made sure to pass on the magic of "Silent Night" to her kids. Going to candlelight services on Christmas Eve became their tradition too. Despite moving around a bit, that music box angel has stayed safe and sound, sitting proudly in her home—she admits her connection to it has grown as she has gotten older, so who protected it in each move? Makes ya wonder if it's a higher power. Diane's dad may not have shared many personal stories about Diane's mom and while "Silent Night" wasn’t a song they directly connected over, its presence in their lives speaks volumes.

For Diane, "Silent Night" isn't just about the notes or the lyrics—it's about the warmth of past Christmases and celebrating life. Her approach is all about focusing on the joy, even during tough times. She's a big believer in finding something positive to hold onto over the holidays. Her advice to anyone struggling is to cherish the good memories and create new ones in the names of the loved ones lost, that make you smile.

Diane’s story is a heartwarming reminder of how much power a song can hold. "Silent Night" isn't just an iconic carol for her; it’s a piece of family history, a joyful reminder of her loved ones, and a tradition she continues to celebrate with her own children. So next time you hear it playing, maybe think about what "Silent Night" means to you, and let those memories bring a smile.

Silent Night (the song)

Connect with Diane Freeman: @DianeFreeman (FB) @BeeSeenSocial (IG)

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