About Yule Music (Ugh) And The Hawks (Yay!)

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, In the lane, snow is glistening...” STOP IT!

It’s too early to be listening to these dumb Christmas songs. This year when I turned on WLIT (93.9 FM) on Nov. 14, I first heard Christmas music — a full 14 days before Thanksgiving and 42 before Christmas.

Now without sounding like a Grinch, I have to say this is a little too early for a station to be playing Christmas music. What happened to starting after Turkey Day, or just waiting until Dec. 1, because 24 days before the holiday is bad enough. But to torch us for 42 days is just too much.

Did you ever stop and wonder why people are never in the holiday spirit? Maybe this stupid tradition has something to do with it. By starting the music this early, by the time Dec. 19 arrives, people are sick to death of hearing the same 14 songs on repeat. Usually by the midway point of December, I just want Christmas to be over so I don’t have to listen to the music anymore.

People always say my generation is out of touch with the holiday. Well, it’s your fault! This holiday has become so commercialized that it’s overbearing. Decorations were up in stores and on street poles, BEFORE HALLOWEEN!

Stop playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving or just wait till Dec. 1.

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I was too young to remember “the roar.” It might not be the same, but there is something special happening on Madison Street. It’s not just the fact that home games are on television or some games are broadcasted on WGN. But being in the arena and standing while the national anthem is being sung is once again putting goose bumps on Hawks fans around the city.
It’s been far too long since this Original Six franchise has meant something. With key additions on and off the ice, something special is happening.

The Blackhawks matter again!

That will be evident when the Hawks host the Red Wings on Jan. 1 at Wrigley Field in the NHL’s new pride and joy, “The Winter Classic.”
The team hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2001-02 season, when it was swept in the first round by the Blues. Their attendance in seasons to follow was a joke. But this year, the Hawks lead the league in attendance. For years, no one knew who any of the players were.

Now, Kane, Toews, Khabibulin and Seabrook are household names. Well, Kane and Toews are anyways. But there are two others names that have a lot to do with the recent success: “Rocky” Wirtz and John McDonough. Since William Wirtz died and his son “Rocky” took over, it seems every decision that has been made was the right one, including hiring former Cubs front office man, McDonough.

The two have done everything they can to bring the best players on the ice and the fans in the seats. Expectations are high for this team to not only make the playoffs but contend for the Cup, and I think it can do both. The Hawks have a lot of young, talented players who should be on this team for years to come and continue to make “da Hawks” a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.

Chuck Salvatore is a general assignment reporter for the Southwest News-Herald. He may be reached at (773) 476-4800, ext. 241, at chucksalvatore@hotmail.com or at www.chucksalvatore.blogspot.com. Be sure to catch Chuck every week on the Linda Padgurskis show from noon to 1 p.m., on Thursdays and The Out ‘N’ About talk show with Ron and Joe from 2 to 3 p.m. every Friday, both on WJJG 1530 AM. Chuck will also guest host for Ray Hanania on Friday, Nov. 28, from 8 to 9 a.m.