We’re seeing a trend in Christmas songs being released this year. There’s a strong theme of “oh, gosh, what we can’t be together for the holidays?” Given the requirement for lockdowns and circuit breakers, protocols and social distancing guidelines we’ve experienced over the last couple of years, it’s not surprising that “Sending Love,” the new holiday single from Dartmouth-based and singer-songwriter Hilary Adams, is about longing to be together with loved ones.
Produced by award-winning songwriter and performer Ian Sherwood—he also takes on quadruple duty by playing piano, bass, guitar, while Adams handles vocals and guitar—”Sending Love” emerged from some unexpected travel complications that arose for Adams last year. Despite making what, at the time, felt like was a safe decision for the pandemic, it turns out there was no going back.
“It is rare in life when we can look back on our lives and pinpoint a precise moment of change. The COVID-19 pandemic has done this for me and I’m sure, for so many people around the world. It began with the decision for my partner and I to leave the comforts of our families and lives in Ontario and move back to Nova Scotia. With that decision came the harsh realities of moving during a time of such turbulence and unpredictability,” explains Adams.
“For as long as I can remember I’ve loved celebrating Christmas. The colourful lights, cookies, snow, Natalie Cole’s Holly and Ivy turned up loud on the speakers. So, when December of 2020 came around, like so many, my partner and I found ourselves deliberating if we could make it to Ontario for Christmas.
“My mind filled with memories of us all decorating the tree, making food, playing cards, but most of all, I thought about just being together. In the end, I found myself unable to celebrate Christmas with my family. Unable to give them a hug and hold them tight.”
Since Adams wouldn’t be back in Ontario to enjoy the holidays in person with her family, she chose to do the next best thing: she wrote them a song to make sure they knew she was thinking about them.
“Last year, for so many of us, things were different and, for some, it is a reality each year. Now, with a little help from my friend, I get to share this song and send a little virtual love out to more people and their families.”
Adams and Sherwood do a more beautiful job than most with “Sending Love” to capture the feeling of a lonesome Christmas away from home and reinforce the importance of enjoying the times we do get to spend together.
Hilary Adams | INSTAGRAM