The spirit of Christmas

SEASONAL MAGIC: Originally from the East Coast, singer Caii-Michelle Baker has released a Christmas classic, I Love This Time Of Year, in the old-school style of the likes of Bing Crosby. She really does love this time of year. Picture supplied

Her family’s love for Christmas was the inspiration for former East Coast woman Caii-Michelle Baker’s recently released song, I Love This Time of Year.

Based in a snowy, festive setting a long way from the seasonal summertime occasion on the East Coast, the music video for the singer’s old-fashioned tune recalls the Christmas sentimentality and musical style of crooner Bing Crosby.

“I wanted to have a Christmas song like a classic because I love that classic sound,” says the Wellington-based singer.

“You remember the dream you see on TV — snow, the sparkle of fairy lights and the music captured my heart for Christmas. That was the magic feeling of Christmas to me as a child.

“I believe in the spirit of Santa Claus.”

Hope and joy is the message she wanted to convey in I Love This Time of Year.

“I was one of 16 kids but our parents tried to make Christmas special for us. We all came together and got one present each. It wasn’t about spending money, it was about being together.”

Of Rongowhakaata and Ngati Porou descent, Baker is the first adult, contemporary Maori woman to release an original Christmas Song internationally.

“We love all the US and British Christmas songs and now people can play one of ours as well.” she says.

“I am so happy I can share the power of a positive song from Aotearoa at a time when families come together with their loved ones.”

As a passionate humanitarian, Baker is glad a portion of proceeds from the sale of Blue Aeris’ album, Joy, on which I Love This Time of Year features, will support Futures Without Violence.

Futures has provided programmes, policies, and campaigns for people and organisations who work to end violence against women and children around the world.

“The work that Futures Without Violence does for women, children and transgender is near and dear to my heart,” says Baker. “I am so glad that I can share Christmas music and also help this organisation to continue their essential work.

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to create this song about all the things that make this time of year special for me.”

Last in Gisborne for Christmas nine year ago, Baker looks forward to her return home this week to spend the festive occasion with her family.

Caii-Michelle Baker’s recently released Christmas song, I Love This Time of Year, features on the

Blue Aeris album, Joy, which is available now on streaming platforms Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes Store, YouTube, Soundcloud and others.