This is the first installment of a regular series called “Current Recommendations,” asking folks about their media consumption and recommendations.
Abbot Public Library Board of Trustee Deb Payson
What is your favorite holiday movie? “A Christmas Carol” with George C. Scott (1984). I love this movie because it reminds us all to be charitable and thankful during the holidays.
What is your favorite holiday song? “What Child is This,” Andrea Bocelli duet with Mary J Blige & Marco Frisina. Bocelli’s voice is pure joy in every song and every season. His duets are unique, exhilarating and holiday perfection.
What is your favorite holiday book? “Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition”. This book “arrived” in our house in 2017 with our very own Elf, who flew up to the North Pole every night to report back to Santa. The magic of the Elf in our house will always be a favorite holiday tradition, as was the reading of the book!
Fire Chief Jason R. Gilliland
What is your favorite holiday movie? The 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol” with Alastair Sim. It’s just a great Christmas classic that expresses the true meaning of Christmas and not the commercialism of most of the newer movies.
What is your favorite holiday song? “Let It Be Christmas” by Alan Jackson. I love both country and Christmas music, and it’s a great combination of both.
What is your favorite holiday book? “Twas the Night Before Christmas” As a child, it was a Christmas story that my mother read to me every year and was my first introduction to Santa Claus.
Select Board member Erin Noonan
What is your favorite Holiday movie? “National Lampoons: Christmas Vacation.” It’s iconic. Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold is a comedic genius. My sister and I could quote this entire movie and still laugh ourselves to tears even though we have seen it a zillion times.
What is your favorite holiday song? Easy. “Oh Holy Night,” all the versions – Mariah, Jennifer Hudson, Celine, Patti LaBelle, Josh Groban. If you could bottle the spirit of Christmas for me it’s sitting in the pew on Christmas Eve worship listening to a church soloist sing the story. It’s like the entire congregation can literally feel the Holy Spirit when the singer hits the high C.
What is your favorite holiday book? “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” ―Dr. Seuss