(My algebra class has a packet of work to do to review for an upcoming test. I offer to play old-fashioned Christmas songs for them as they work, as long as they are quiet. We get to one song. I talk to them.)

Me: “If you can name the singer, you get bonus points!”

(No one has any idea. Good guesses are made of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby, but no one gets the correct answer. On the whiteboard where we are working out math problems, I began to write.)

Me: “G-E-N-E A-U-T—”

(A student, suddenly sure of the answer, calls out.)

Student: “Gene Austism! I get the bonus points! Yay! Go me!”

(It took me a bit of composure to complete the name: Gene Autry. No bonus points were awarded, but the class did well on their review packets! Christmas music gets you going!)