The holiday rush, exciting as it is, is mostly stress and anxiety inducing for people (with the exception of children who eagerly anticipate the holidays ahead). The streets are filled with cars, people walking briskly from one shop to the next, and vendors determined to up their sales with tempting deals. Malls and stores are packed, loud Christmas music is played through speakers, and snippets of conversations fill the air.
It’s overwhelming. It gets crazy. And often, it takes away from the true meaning of each holiday families anticipate celebrating together. Getting caught up in the whirlwind of it all is understandable, however vexing.
That’s why in the midst of all the chaos, it’s comforting to know there are people who take time to bring joy and relief, whether it’s with good deeds, kind smiles, or a surprise street performance.
Italian saxophonist Daniele Vitale graced passersby with his instrumental performance of “Hallelujah”, a gospel song that has been used numerous times in film and television, and remade by artists across genres since its first release in the early eighties.
Sporting black formal wear set off by a red printed jacket and a hat in the same color to match, the musician had with him only a saxophone and musical accompaniment played through small speakers.
With a picturesque backdrop of a river and stone structures, the saxophonist played the notes of the timeless gospel song smoothly. The soothing melody from the musician’s saxophone caused people to slow down and gradually stop to listen. Some even brought out their smartphones to record the performance.
It might have been the song and its meaning that made people slow down and pause, or the captivating sound of the saxophonist’s music; regardless, it was a much needed reminder during the busiest time of the year to stop, breathe, and appreciate the present moment while remembering what the holidays are really about.
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