Graphic created by Lucas Seidel Design

Gather 'round the open fire for Chimneyside Chats - a monthly feature with holiday stories from our favorite artists. See what's in their stockings this year as they reminisce on Christmas memories, share their favorite recipe and more! Here's what Carly of sister duo KTJ & Carly had to say:

It’s the night before Christmas, when a distant memory fades into our heads. The sound of the doorbell ringing, with our little cousins, aunts and uncles. Our grandparents. Sound of laughter and joy. It now seems a bit quieter. It feels like people are missing from the scene. We wish so badly that we could see them this holiday, to wrap ourselves up and just send our love.

We reminisce about the smell of apple cider lingering throughout the kitchen and into the living room, where we sit by the tree drinking red wine and singing Christmas songs. Cajun Christmas songs, might I add. Our dad banging on the guitar, our uncle doing crazy lead riffs on the electric; our little cousin, so small to barely reach the drum set. Katie and I play the piano and sing with joy. It is still there, you can feel it. There is just the absence of their physical presence.

We realize that though we may not be doing our traditional Saran Wrap game, or huge Charades/Heads Up: Christmas Edition with 25 people, the six of us bask in each other's presence and joy. We realize how grateful we are to be with at least each other. We are safe under the roof, cold wind blowing outside. Laughter still fills the room, and we still celebrate the meaning. The handmade ornaments, gifted to us each depending on what we are doing in our life, hanging on the tree, reminding us of the love that will always stay there.

Though we knew the love still was there, we still felt a longing for their presence. This year has been very different.

Our holiday song, "Gift Me To You", was released on December 2. With the coronavirus pandemic happening all around us, many people cannot be with their loved ones this year. We can’t visit our grandparents and gather with our relatives which really sucks. That was a big inspiration when we wrote this song. It is about wanting to practically 'send' yourself as a gift to someone this year. This song on the surface seems a bit more romantic but we think really anyone can relate to this in whatever situation, especially amidst the pandemic.

This song was written and inspired by the absence of loved ones. The ones who remain close to our heart, but far from touch. “Gift Me to You” is a wish.