After last week’s Newtown news, it’s particularly hard to carry on at times.  It’s difficult to even put one foot in front of the other, let alone get in step with the season.  And the most innocent of events can leave you shattered.  So there we were, just casually looking around, when we stumbled upon (via The Line of Best Fit) the multi-talented Kathryn Calder (of the fantastic New Pornographers) and her new video for her Christmas song Little Ones, which was made for the charitable Plan Canada’s ‘Because I Am A Girl’ campaign.  “Because I Am A Girl” is a “global initiative to end gender inequality, promote girls’ rights and lift millions of girls – and everyone around them – out of poverty”.

Calder’s heartwarming video was released a scant three days before the Newtown events and now bears unintended gravitas and weight (given the subject matter and the fact that Calder’s late parents were teachers).  It’s a beauty for a great cause.  Read Calder’s explanation below, and if you can, go donate to Calder’s good cause HERE.  The video follows, and after, the song’s lyrics.  It seems that Calder is prompted by the season.  After Little Ones (and its lyrics), if you need some comfort and consolation (because of Newtown or the season), check out her video for Turn a Light On, which was released almost exactly one year before.  Superb.  Calder is evidently also at work on her third solo album, so stay tuned.

On a completely different note, if you want to see the musical magic of Calder as a part of the New Pornographers, check the concert video after the lyrics, and at the very bottom listen to a fine Christmas original (Joseph, Who Understood) from that powerful band.

From Kathryn Calder:

“I’ve put together this little video made up entirely of photos that fans, family and friends have sent in of their Christmases past. I’ve decided to also make it for Plan Canada’s ‘Because I Am A Girl’ campaign in honour of my late mom and dad, who were both elementary school teachers for their entire career. I would like to ask you to find out more and consider donating any amount to this important cause by going to my fundraising page: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1696268

I had a very happy and fortunate childhood, we always had enough money for food, clothes, music lessons, etc. and so when I put together this video, I was naturally thinking about those who were having a harder time. I picked this particular cause because, as teachers, my parents were big advocates for improving childhood education both at home and abroad. As a woman, I want to help give young girls around the world the knowledge and tools to reach their full potentials.

This is a song about the magic of a childhood Christmas, and even though not all Christmases are happy ones, it’s as good a time as any to remember to cherish the ones we love while we have them, and to be thankful for the good life we have while it’s here!

Thanks, hope you enjoy!

To download the Ho! Ho! Ho! Canada 4 compilation of Christmas songs ‘Little Ones’ was featured on, visit The Line Of Best Fit: http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/art-of-noise-mixtapes/download-ho-h…

love,
K”

Lyrics:

“No one said that Christmas eve was a good time to go
I know we didn’t have a choice
How suddenly it changes from the snowy festive cheer
How suddenly the Christmas magic dims and disappears

Everyone out bustling, all the parties and the smiles
The melting snowflakes in our eyes
This winter scene the icy air, it’s my favourite time of year
Like everyday and always still, I’ll be wishing you were here

Hold onto our little ones,
The one’s who make you laugh when all you want to do is cry
Hold onto our little ones,
The carols and the lights, hot chocolate by the fireside
Hold onto our little ones,
With Santa on his flight, the reindeer on the roof at night,
Hold onto our little ones,
The stockings and the tree, the friends who are like family

Hold onto our little ones..
Hold onto our little ones..
Hold onto our little ones..
Hold onto our little ones..”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=6dKrdr1Ewzo&feature=endscreen