Christmas in El Paso, Texas has been sensational so far. Mom and Tom are a delight, the Christmas Eve Eve tradition with Jamie was a smashing success, I pulled an all-nighter with a charming individual, and I have eaten at least half my weight in treats that are usually prohibited.

My parents were part of today's Christmas program at church, and since they were up in the stands, I sat with my pal Hayley Smith (a Bostonian who shares my locational roots). Church was gorgeous and spiritual and Christmassy and full of family fun, but apparently we weren't moved quite enough because we immediately stole away for a Sunday drive. On our adventure, we found an open Sonic (at 10:30am! A Christmas miracle!) and got Cherry Vanilla Dr. Peppers. I know, I know. I shouldn't have done it, but come on! An open Sonic! On Christmas day!

Today's audio goodness: Car Talk with Hayley. We discuss El Paso's high-class rock walls and Drive-by Shooting!, the favorite game of my youth. And as a holiday bonus, you get one of the best Christmas moments ever captured on video. You're welcome.

Happy Christmas everyone.

THE SUNDAY SOUND: December 25, Christmas Car Talk.
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What could possibly be better than a free nugget of sound? TWO free nuggets of sound! And today is your lucky day! Please try to contain your excitement.

No, really. Reel that in.

For any dedicated fans who have noticed my two Sunday hiatus, I can assure you it has been with good cause. And today's 2-for-1 special explains everything.

I was in Dallas the first weekend of December, attending the baptism of my rad nephew Isaac. He was baptized on Saturday, and the next day I went to church with this newly minted little dude and his family. It was Fast Sunday. That means we Mormon types go without meals for the day and give the money we would have spent on food to charity. Our meeting that day consists of the testimonies of whoever in the audience feels so compelled to go up to the podium and speak off the cuff. It is a good time.

Isaac had never done this before, and my brother and sister-in-law have never talked to him about it. A few people got up and after a bit of listening, Isaac leans over to my brother Derek and asks him if he can go up. Derek ekes out a hesitant "yes." Kelly realizes what is happening and gets a terrified look on her face as Isaac makes his move. And as any good aunt would, I press "RECORD."

My favorite part: after the last word you hear, he just shrugged his shoulders and sauntered off.

THE SUNDAY SOUND: December 18, Isaac's first testimony.
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The second weekend of December was filled with roughly twelve hours of singing. TWELVE. HOURS. OF. SINGING. I participated in the 11th annual Christmas concert put on by the women of my church. Freak. These girls don't mess around! There had been epic rehearsals for weeks.

I auditioned for a solo (please remind me of this if I try to do that again next year) and was assigned a soprano piece in a "negro spiritual".

It turns out I do not have the correct amount of soul required.

When it became disturbingly clear that I was simply NOT pulling it off, the director spent a good 45 minutes of one-on-one time with me. We tried and tried to get my voice to do things that it seemed bound and determined not to do. Here's sixty seconds of that experience. Apparently, I absolutely adore profanity when combined with singing the Lord's praises.

THE SUNDAY SOUND: December 18, Vocal performance and profanity.
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