Fairytale of New York

The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl - video


The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl - performance

Shane MacGowan singing a sad tale alongside the late Kirsty MacColl.

Everything about this song feels like Christmas to me: glittery magical lights, cold New York streets, and a touch of melancholy. The chick and I had a rowdy dinner with good friends at Grand Szechuan last night... presents exchanged, table decked with soup dumplings, loud chatter, glasses of wine and familial merriment.

We walked home together, a mild night, Sixth Avenue slick with rain. We giggled the whole way taking in festive decoration and lights. Her little hand starts tugging excitedly and she points to the top of a high-rise in the distance, "Mommie! I see Santa! Look, see that red light? It's Rudolph, they're coming!"

Once home, we put out the cookies and milk and she went to bed. Cat rolled in around 1am and we stayed up till 3, talking over scotch and leftover chinese cartons. The chick woke up us with her squeals of "Santa came!" And we opened presents, paper and ribbon everywhere, joyful smiling, so good to be together.

It was an amazing year, full of beautiful highs and sad lows... But I tell you, I cannot wait for many many days more.

Bless us all, everyone... wherever you are, whatever you may celebrate, as we come to a year's end. Glasses raised to all our dreams, loves, and life.