I’ll admit, when Chant by the Benedictine Monks of Santa Domingo de Silos (listen on lala) became a huge hit seven years ago, I was somewhat mystified. Now though, after spending those years in the working world (I graduated that year with my masters), it seems natural to me that people should want to escape to a place of calm, reflective meditation.

In many ways, the Christmas season seems to amplify the confusion of the world, though I believe it is meant to do the exact opposite. I think that there are forces that would prefer the season became so hectic that we miss celebrating the birth of hope all together. If you’re feeling the crunch of worldly forces encroaching on your Christmas celebration, you may want to take a step back, breathe, listen to a little calming music.

Today I found Christmas Chant - Music for the Soul by the Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz (listen on lala), which got me thinking along the above lines. This group of monks has a lovely quality in their singing. It is a slightly different sound than the recording that brought chant into the mainstream, but no less relaxing, and it is Christmas themed to boot.

So, when the season gets a little overwhelming, take refuge in a little music. I can’t think of a safer, or nicer, way to escape and recharge your batteries.