Vicki Doudera - Realtor, Author, Mainer

Yesterday my daughter and I bought a CD of Christmas songs by Maine artists at our local Reny’s store. Turns out that “Christmas in Maine” was produced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “The Maine Christmas Song” by Con Fullam. The CD includes the original 1987 rendition, as well as a new version by the Windham Chamber Singers, along with a nice mix of traditional and original holiday music.

I’ve heard snippets of “The Maine Christmas Song” before, but never the whole thing, and never this particular recording.  The song is more about the sense of community in Maine than about Christmas per se, but I’ll be honest with you: it moves me to tears. “It’s the spirit of sharing, giving and caring…” goes the refrain, and I challenge you to listen to it and not choke up.  There’s a real truth in the message the lyrics convey — living here is about the little neighborly things people do for one another at all times of the year.

In that spirit, much of the proceeds from the sale of “Christmas in Maine” will benefit the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger in Maine. The CD costs $15, and is available at Maine Credit Union locations, Bull Moose and Mr. Paperback stores, Vogel’s Hallmark in the Maine Mall, and Renys locations throughout the state.  If you’re “from away” and would like to purchase the CD, drop me an e-mail and we’ll see what we can do.