My Christmas Essay

plus two premium playlists...

Merry Christmas and welcome to Vinson Cunningham’s Quiet Storm.

However and whatever you celebrate toward the end of the year, I hope this edition of the “show” finds you feeling bright.

For the second year in a row, I wrote a Christmas essay for The New Yorker. It’s about waiting and arrival, fulfillment and fear. Consider it my very humble gift to you.

Here, too, are two playlists. First, my years-old Christmas jam session, freshly edited, plus a regular edition of VCQS, for when the day (so quickly!) darkens.

Until next time—Keep Snow Stormin’:

---

---

---

Before the ice is in the pools,

      Before the skaters go,

Or any cheek at nightfall

      Is tarnished by the snow,

Before the fields have finished,

      Before the Christmas tree,

Wonder upon wonder

      Will arrive to me!

—Emily Dickinson, from “XLV [Before the ice is in the pools]”