Something New, This Christmas
What if the most meaningful holiday gift this year is time, not things? That question became the seed of a new song I wrote called “Something New (This Christmas).” A simple moment on a train turned into a reflection on presence, connection, and how we choose to spend our attention.
I did something unexpected this week.
I wrote a holiday song.
On a train from Galway, of all places.
(Yeah, I’m originally from Georgia, so just let the “Midnight Train to Georgia” jokes write themselves. lol)
Expression has become my entertainment
I’ve reached a point where I can’t sit and watch a show or play a game anymore. Music, writing, creating has taken over my downtime in the best way.
So there I was on this late-night train, staring out the window, half daydreaming, half sketching ideas on my iPad in Logic Pro, when a melody landed. Light. Simple. A little nostalgic.
The lyrics rushed in right after, fueled by the happiness and longing I felt knowing I’d see my family again soon, catch up with friends at a holiday party later that night, and play a gig later that weekend. My calendar was packed with moments I genuinely looked forward to, and the song pulled all of that into one feeling.
More time, not things.
That feeling became “Something New (This Christmas).” A small wish wrapped in a song. I want less pressure and more presence. I want time with the people I love. And since the season usually tries to turn us into stressed-out elves, I wrote something that resists the chaos and leans into what matters. (Also, yeah... I’m a dad, so I get at least one “presence instead of presents” joke per year.)
In the studio
Back home this weekend (between all of those moments), I tossed the sketch into my workflow, recorded vocals, and started mixing. I normally work fast, and this one flowed even easier. Warm. Hopeful. A journalpop heartbeat under a soft synth glow. Am I getting close to a signature sound? Maybe, but I still have a few more genres I want to explore before committing. 😎
Thank you for your support this year
You get "Something New (This Christmas)" early on SoundCloud. ❤️
It goes live everywhere Friday, December 12.
Here are the lyrics if you want to read along while you listen.
Something New (This Christmas)
by Chris Lafe King
[Verse]
christmas comes just once a year
so lets drop the fear and lean into cheer
try something new
and share it too
[Chorus]
ain’t got no gifts
wrapped with a bow
we got time
so lets just go
making memories
and lifting up as we go
this year the greatest gift
is each moment with you
with you
[Chorus]
christmas comes just once a year
glitter and gold and the pressure we hold
so lets try something new
just me and you
[Verse]
ain’t got no gifts
wrapped with a bow
we got time
so lets just go
making memories
and lifting up as we go
this year the greatest gift
with each moment with you
[Bridge]
together we’ll fly
together we’ll soar
turning things into time
and time into more
[Chorus]
ain’t got no gifts
wrapped with a bow
we got time
so lets just go
making memories
and lifting up as we go
this year the greatest gift
is each moment with you
with you
with you
with you
If the song hits you in the heartstrings, please share it with someone you want more time with this year. ❤️
And thanks, as always, for shaping chaos with me.
