As stated, well-off residents would traditionally give carolers food and drinks, and one of the most well-known carols is “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” which mentions figgy pudding.

Figgy pudding blends sweet, sour, and savory ingredients like honey, fruit, and nuts, and it may contain alcohol like rum. It’s sometimes referred to as raisin or plum pudding, and it is similar to Christmas pudding, full of dried fruit and spices.

The true origin of this carol is unknown, though it grew in popularity in 1935, when Arthur Warrell – a composer, conductor, organist, and university lecturer – performed it with the University of Bristol Madrigal Singers.

It was around long before that, though, as evident by a unique version from the 1830s. Some of the people who would go door to door, singing in exchange for treats and warmth, changed up the lyrics a bit, saying, “We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year, a pocket full of money and a cellar full of beer!”

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” reminds us to be good, because Santa is watching, making his list, and visiting soon. It even mentions some of the toys he could be bringing, such as little tin horns, curly-haired dolls, and…rooty-toot-toot and rump-a-tum-tums?

Now, this odd line comes after the horns and drums, so it seems it’s a reference to the noises those instruments make. However, there is another theory: Some think that a rooty toot toot is a candy whistle that tastes like root beer and that a rummy tum tum is a rum ball. The thinking behind this is that maybe too many sweet treats were enjoyed, leading to an upset stomach, and Santa is going to bring these items to help!

J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie wrote “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” and it may have first been recorded by Harry Reser in 1934. It was definitely featured on Eddie Cantor’s radio show that year, leading to over 30,000 copies of it being sold in just 24 hours. Since then, more than 200 others have performed and released this song.

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“Sleigh Ride” was first released as an orchestra piece. In fact, in the 14 years that our owner, Nicole Patel, played clarinet, this was her favorite song to perform. Now, her boys play it at their holiday concert each year, making it extra special.

Lyrics about chestnuts and pumpkin pie were not added until later, and chestnuts did not come into Nicole’s life until her honeymoon; she and her husband were traveling through Germany, when he pulled her aside to this little cart with little warm bags of reddish-brown nuts. He told her that he had these all the time as a child, and they were the perfect toasty treat to enjoy in the crisp Alp air. They went on to become a holiday staple for the family.

Leroy Anderson’s composed version of “Sleigh Ride” released in 1948, and it was first recorded by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra the following year. In 1950, lyrics were added by Mitchell Parish, and The Andrews Sisters were the first to record the vocals. Many bands, singers, and groups have released their own adaptations, but the most popular came about in 1958, thanks to Johnny Mathis.

Originally, the words included “birthday party,” but some people began swapping that out for “Christmas party,” helping to make this a holiday-themed hit.

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A quintessential Christmas song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” lists out what makes the holiday season, well, the most wonderful time of the year. Mentioned are parties, yummy foods, and caroling, and after this line, it says “there’ll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago.” Most hear that and are confused, as spooky tales seem like a better fit for Halloween. But in actuality, this was a Victorian Christmas tradition.

As the year draws to a close, people tend to think back on what once was. This is intensified due to winter being a time of long, dark, cold nights, as well as a time of death and rebirth. Therefore, while families were gathered together, they did exchange stories of those who had passed – a tradition we see carried on today with the retelling of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. And of course, toasted marshmallows make ghost stories just a little bit sweeter.

Image courtesy of Turner Classic Movies

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” was written by Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963. That year, Andy Williams recorded the song and included it on his first holiday album. Over the years, he released other adaptations of the hit – as did big names like Johnny Mathis, Garth Brooks, Harry Connick Jr., and Jennifer Lopez – but his original version is the one we all know and love.

Image courtesy of The New York Times

Many know wassail as a cold weather drink, but it can also be used to describe the act of going door to door and singing carols. According to history, people would wish the rich good health and fortune in exchange for being allowed to come inside, get warm, and maybe even drink from the wassail bowl.

“We are not daily beggars that beg from door to door,” say the lyrics, “but we are neighbors’ children, whom you have seen before.” The singers then go on to ask for a wassail cup, beer, cheese, and a Christmas loaf and conclude with blessings to “the master of this house [and] likewise the mistress too.”

Over the years, this drink has been made with a variety of alcohols, such as warm ale or mead, wine, brandy, or sherry, and spices like sugar and cinnamon. Apples are usually a key ingredient, though some recipes call for fruit juice or oranges. There are also variations that use mulled cider, that incorporate eggs, and that are scooped up with toast.

There are hundreds of wassailing songs, all about the Yuletide tradition of giving door-to-door greetings and blessings. This one originated in the middle of the 19th century or maybe even earlier. It has been called “The Wassail Song,” “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and “Here We Come A-Christmasing,” just to name a few.

No matter the title or the version, the message stays the same: “Love and joy come to you and to your wassail too, and God bless you and send you a happy New Year.”

The Grinch’s feelings at the beginning of his story versus at the end are poles apart (much like the North and South Poles!). This is also how the great debate could be described, as no one can seem to agree on which version of this holiday classic is better: the animated one from 1966, the live-action film from 2000, or the newest version released in 2018.

Was this character actually mean? Has he continued to love Christmas? Is the original version the best? Is the new animated flick from 2018 actually better than even Ron Howard’s? So many questions … so much time to eat another truffle while you decide …

And maybe we should all just take notes from this next dessert: Stop arguing about the best adaptation and start, instead, soaking up more of the holidays!

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros

The song, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was created specifically for Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. The lyrics were written by Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel and the music was composed by Albert Hague.

Though Boris Karloff, a famous horror movie actor, was the voice of the Grinch in the original 1966 television special, he did not provide the vocals for this well-known song. That credit belongs to Thurl Ravenscroft, an actor and singer whose voice can be heard in many Disney movies and attractions. Ravenscroft is most famously known for being the voice of Tony the Tiger – the mascot for Frosted Flakes – for over five decades.
Throughout the television special, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is played three times. We first hear it when the Grinch begins crafting his impostor Santa suit. And each time it plays after that, we learn a little more about the despicable green grouch, who eventually grows a heart and learns to enjoy Christmas. The version we hear on played on the radio is actually a combination of the three segments from the television show, composed into one single track.

Photo courtesy of Disney

While “A Marshmallow World” doesn’t mention the holidays, it is synonymous with this wonderful time of the year. On those perfect “whipped cream days,” people may still be surrounded by loved ones for food and fun, with a decorated tree shining in the room.

For thousands of years, evergreen trees and branches have been used as decorations during the winter solstice. Some used them as a reminder that spring was on the way, while others felt they represented everlasting life. The tradition grew and grew, leading to today’s bauble-filled version with presents underneath it.

Written in 1949 by Carl Sigman and Peter DeRose, “A Marshmallow World” was originally made famous by Bing Crosby. Rerecorded by numerous artists, the song that is not about the holidays has become a quintessential Christmas song. In 1966, Dean Martin recorded a version for his holiday album. The Telegraph once wrote that Martin was “the man whose voice captured Christmas.” This quote is ironic, as Dean passed away on Christmas Day 1995, exactly 29 years after his mother’s death, to the day. He was 78 years old.

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Are cranberries an essential part of a holiday meal, or no? Owner Nicole Patel even says that when she makes her cranberry sauce each year, it sits there, perfectly molded in a beautiful bowl, never eaten, never touched.

In “Christmas Wrapping,” a young woman decides to skip all the stressful celebrating of the season, stating “Bah, humbug!” in the very first verse. She hasn’t had the best year, coupled with the inability to find time to go on a date with a gentleman she met earlier in the year. On Christmas Eve, she’s at home, making herself “the world’s smallest turkey,” when she realizes she forgot to buy cranberries. She goes back into the snow, and wouldn’t you know … her guy is also at the grocery store. “You mean you forgot cranberries, too?”

It was not hard for The Waitresses’ Chris Butler to write “Christmas Wrapping,” as he said it came from his own hatred of the holiday. In 1981, he finished it while in a taxi, using random, leftover riffs. The way his bandmate, Patty Donahue, sort of rapped the song helped make it super memorable. The upbeat tempo helps disguise the fact that the narrator is, at first, in a “bah, humbug” mood. Of course, that all changes, thanks to those cranberries.

Photo courtesy of NME

Christmas songs fill people with warm and fuzzy feelings, painting pictures of presents nestled under the tree, glittering lights hung on rooftops, families sitting in front of crackling fireplaces, and, of course, all of the food and feasts of the season.

Run-DMC shared that this may include Mom’s chicken, rice, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. The group’s members – Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell – grew up in the NYC neighborhood of Hollis, and McDaniels’ adopted mother even appeared in the “Christmas in Hollis” music video.

This December, though it may not always be Mom doing the cooking and your holiday meal might not include collard greens, we can all relate to anxiously awaiting the holiday trip home, tasty meals with loved ones, and annual family traditions.

Run-DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis” song was written in 1987 to be part of the charity album, “A Very Special Christmas.” One of the most popular holiday albums of all time, “A Very Special Christmas” was released to benefit the Special Olympics. It featured famous artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Pretenders, Madonna, and U2, but Run-DMC’s song was the only original composition on the album.

As mentioned, “Christmas in Hollis” was written about Christmastime in the area of New York City where the group’s members lived. Hollis is also the home of hip-hop producer Russell Simmons and rappers like Ja Rule, LL Cool J, and Young MC.

Photo courtesy of FRANK MICELOTTA ARCHIVE/GETTY IMAGES

Did you know that National Pumpkin Day is in December? The special day dedicated to this pie actually falls on December 25.

In our modern times, pumpkin spice season starts around the time that jack o’lanterns are carved, when summer gives way to fall and the day of gratitude is quickly approaching on the calendar. Many may associate pumpkins more with Halloween and Thanksgiving than with Christmas. However, throughout history, this was not always the case, as pumpkin pie was more often served during Christmas than during the autumnal season.

And thus, we have pumpkin pie so eloquently sung about by Brenda Lee in “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” paying homage to this flaky Christmas treat.

Johnny Marks, famous for writing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” composed “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in 1958. Marks wrote the song with Brenda Lee in mind to record it. Only 13 years old at the time, Marks was intrigued by her adult-like voice.

Lee went on to release more music, becoming the first woman to be inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. However, she will always be best known for this classic holiday hit.

In 2008, when the song turned 50 years old, over 25 million copies of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” had been sold around the world.

Photo credit: CBS vis Getty Images

Everyone knows Sir Paul McCartney. They know he was part of The Beatles. They are aware of his many awards and recognitions, such as two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions and a knighthood by the late Queen Elizabeth II. But not everyone knows that this 80-year-old is also an animal rights activist and a vegetarian. He has been fully committed to this way of eating since the 1970s when his late wife permanently stopped cooking meat.

Therefore, a veggie feast is what helps make a “Wonderful Christmastime” for McCartney. It includes a vegetarian roast, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrot & turnip mash, and a vegetarian stuffing that he says reminds him of growing up in Liverpool, England.

Paul McCartney is known best for his hits with The Beatles, yet he is also an acclaimed solo artist. He recorded the vocals, keyboards, guitars, drums, and even the jingle bells for “Wonderful Christmastime,” which was released in 1979. Despite it not being a favorite amongst critics, the song hit the top of the charts everywhere from Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom to Canada, Sweden, and Switzerland. And annually, it continues to play on the radio when “the feeling’s [are] here that only comes this time of year.”

Photo credit: Rolling Stones via Paul McCartney

Patiently waiting for Christmas morning to arrive AND having to be good all year long? For some, like these mischievous chipmunks, it can feel like an impossible task.

Many can relate to this silly song, wanting the holiday to hurry up and get here. Thankfully, many of us grew up watching these characters, which helped pass the time. In fact, Alvin is our owner’s favorite cartoon character, and while she found their behavior entertaining, she is definitely glad she didn’t end up with boys that were equally rowdy!

Ross Bagdasarian, who went by David Seville, created and voiced Alvin and the Chipmunks. He would speed up his songs to create their high voices, as heard in “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late).” Written and released in 1958, it went on to win three Grammy Awards.

Upon Bagdasarian’s death in 1972, his son, Ross Bagdasarian Jr., stepped in to voice Alvin, Simon, and Theodore.

A snowman is an iconic symbol of winter, built up after the first snow of the season and greeting all who pass by. The tradition of creating figures out of snow began in the Middle Ages. Simple, primitive versions have now given way to over-the-top works of art, as there are even those who carve forms out of ice with chainsaws.

Frosty remains the most famous of them all, with his corn cob pipe, button nose, and two eyes made out of coal. Many have copied the children of this story, using buttons, coals, and rocks to form a snowman face. But a pipe? It doesn’t seem like it would belong, yet the song does reference a smoking pipe made out of a corn cob.

“Frosty the Snowman” the song was written by Walter “Jack” Rollins and composed by Steve Nelson. Both songwriters approached Gene Autry after he released his version of the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” requesting that he record another holiday tune. It was released in 1950, and like Rudolph, Frosty ended up with his own television special.

Though the song was first recorded by Gene Autry & the Cass County Boys, it was later re-recordered by Jimmy Durante for the Rankin/Bass television production of “Frosty the Snowman” in 1969. Jimmy, known for his distinctive gravelly speech, voiced the narrator. This was his final film role.

Dating back to Roman times, fruitcake was an important part of a soldier’s diet during battle. This hefty dessert was made with nuts, pomegranate seeds, raisins, wine, and barley mash. In the days of Shakespeare, sugar, fruits, and meats were added, becoming known as plum pudding. Throughout history, different interpretations of fruitcake emerged as it took on names like plum cake, twelfth cake, and Christmas cake.

This cake also has romantic ties. It used to be an English tradition for wedding guests to place fruitcake under their pillows, which would apparently cause them to dream about the person they should marry. Furthermore, fruitcake was served at the weddings of British royals like Princess Diana and Prince Charles and Kate Middleton and Prince William.

Its density and longevity, the way it preserves bright and colorful fruits, and its history rooted in decadence helped make it part of holiday festivities. During Victorian England, it became popularized as a vital part of all holiday feasts and celebrations. Soon, mail-order versions arrived on the scene, allowing people to send this one-of-a-kind dessert as a Christmas present.

Now, it’s cemented as an end-of-the-year staple, due to its usage in songs like “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and “We Need A Little Christmas.”

“We Need a Little Christmas” was first heard in the Broadway musical “Mame;” where Angela Lansbury’s character loses money in the Wall Street Crash. She says that “a little Christmas now” is needed to help cheer everyone up. Another line – “But, Auntie Mame, it’s one week past Thanksgiving Day now!” – reminds us of how, it seems, the holiday starts earlier and earlier each year, with stores beginning to put out decorations as early as the late summer.

Since its debut in 1966, this tune has been performed by everyone from Johnny Mathis and Andy Williams to Idina Menzel, Pentatonix, and even The Muppets.

One of the stars of the holiday season is the color red, which can range from a deep, dark, and dramatic tone as seen in cranberries to the bright and brilliant hue described in this popular Beach Boys song. In “Little Saint Nick,” the group sings about “a real famous cat all dressed up in red,” aka Santa, and his sled that’s “candy apple red”.

Even in California, with its sun and sand, there are tales of Santa flying his sleigh full of toys that are delivered to all the good girls and boys on Christmas eve. This has led to many portrayals of Santa’s sleigh over the years, and this holiday hit suggests that it is, perhaps, similar to a customized hot rod.

It’s a creative way to depict this iconic vehicle, which, yes, does make trips to beaches on the west coast, mountains in the east, Austin, Texas, and beyond!

The Beach Boys love to sing about cars. They had just released “Little Deuce Coupe,” so why not write another song about a vehicle, this time for Christmas? There were already reported plans to create a holiday album, and Brian Wilson ended up writing the lyrics to “Little Saint Nick” while he was on a date. He hurried home to add in music, the song was recorded on October 20, 1963, and it was released on December 9 of the same year.

There is some controversy surrounding this popular holiday tune. Many of the rhythm and structure for “Little Saint Nick” is derived from “Little Deuce Coupe”. Because of this, in 1990, Mike Love filed a lawsuit to have his name listed as the co-writer. Upon winning the lawsuit, Love’s name was added as an official author of the song, alongside Wilson’s.

Love it or hate it, “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” is part of the winter holidays, as is eggnog. Both are pretty controversial, with morbid lyrics and strange ingredients. But just as the song became a holiday staple, a Christmas celebration would not be complete without some nog.

Usually enjoyed cold, many do enjoy eggnog warm and often spiked with rum or brandy. It can seem more like a cousin of ice cream or custard, than a drink. And warm spices make it perfect for this time of the year.

Randy Brooks wanted a new kind of country song, so in 1977, this Dallas resident grabbed his guitar and some Johnny Walker Black. The end result was the story of a grandma who had one too many cups of Christmas cheer and ended up under Santa’s sleigh.

As soon as it landed on the radio, it caused a stir, though it ended up going platinum. In a 2007 survey conducted by Pinnacle Media Worldwide, that asked radio listeners which Christmas songs they liked and disliked, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” was the only song to reach the top of both lists. Like eggnog, the most wonderful time of the year is not complete without it.

For children, Christmas is a magical time that’s full of possibilities. By simply writing a letter and leaving cookies for St. Nick, one wakes up in the morning to find the most sought-after presents under the tree.

Little do they know, but parents spend weeks – maybe even months! – driving to and calling stores, searching for wish lists items that end up out of stock and sold out…since every other parent is out there shopping for the same thing.

Plus, some children’s wants are just too big of a stretch, even for Santa, which leads the mom in this fun and festive tune trying to talk her child out of a certain wish list item: a hippopotamus.

In 1953, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” was sung by Gayla Peevey, who was from Oklahoma and was 10 years old at the time. After the song was released and grew in popularity, the Oklahoma City Zoo started the Gayla Peevey hippo fund, asking people to donate dimes to help buy a hippo. It was a huge success and Gayla’s Christmas wish came true! Of course, she couldn’t really have a hippo live with her at home, so it was donated to the zoo and lived for almost 50 more years.

This song is a reference to hard times that are still sweet. One may be having a stressful day yet can still find a silver lining. A family may not be able to afford a lavish Christmas morning, but a sweet treat like a candy cane still provides flavor and fun.

Dolly Parton sings, “I’m barely getting through tomorrow, but still I won’t let sorrow bring me way down.” This is a beautiful outlook to have, no matter what curveballs are thrown at us in life. During the holiday season, especially, we can all be reminded of positive aspects, blessings, and our many reasons to smile.

Some may be surprised to learn that “Hard Candy Christmas” was first written by Carol Hall for “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” It was then sung in the film adaptation of the musical by Dolly Parton, who ended up releasing her own version of it in 1982. It peaked at No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart a year later, in 1983.

Despite having the word “Christmas” in the title, this was not originally written as a holiday song. Female characters actually sang it while getting ready to leave the brothel in the musical, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”. Still, Dolly went on to sing the show tune on Bob Hope’s Christmas special in 1988, and it was added to her joint album with Kenny Rogers, “Once Upon a Christmas”.

Twinkling lights of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, window displays on Fifth Avenue, the distinct music and decorations in different neighborhoods … there is nothing more magical than Christmas in New York City.

In particular, Little Italy is a sight to see, especially at Christmastime, and it’s extra special to our owner, Nicole Patel. She is the granddaughter of two Italian grandfathers, both of which were the first generation in the U.S.

The sense of community found in Little Italy, the spirit of Christmas in New York, and the familial bond that is strengthened during this time of the year are all encapsulated perfectly in “All Alone on Christmas.”

Darlene Love was a member of the girl group the Blossoms, and she also performed as a solo artist and as a back-up vocalist for the Ronettes. In the 1970s, she took a break from her singing career, in order to focus on her family. After a conversation with Steven Van Zandt – known for being in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and playing Silvio Dante in “The Sopranos” – she eventually returned to music and New York in the ‘80s.

In 1992, Van Zandt wrote a song that was performed by Love entitled “All Alone on Christmas.” It was originally used for a holiday flick, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” and it went on to appear in “Love Actually,” “The Night Before,” and “Merry Christmas.” Keeping with the Christmas theme, some of Love’s other songs were in “Jingle All the Way,” and she still puts on a holiday show each year in New York.

With sparkling snow falling from the sky, candles flickering on window sills, and cheery exchanges that people share, the holidays are definitely here. If this brightness could be expressed with a single song, it would be “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole. His cozy and comforting voice pairs perfectly with this time of the year.

Nat’s beloved song reflects upon the sights, sounds, and spirit of the holiday season: Family and friends gathered around the table, with a carved bird at its center; the lights on the tree shining brightly, as a sprig of mistletoe in the doorway awaits the perfect moment between lovers – all of which help to make the season merry and bright.

Most people know this holiday classic by the song’s subtitle, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” Perhaps the most well-known line, it would have definitely been too easy to use as our trivia hint. Even we were surprised by the tune’s official name.

“The Christmas Song,” written by Robert Wells and Mel Tormé, is another holiday hit composed during the blisteringly hot summer of 1945, as the artists tried to “stay cool by thinking cool.” While it went on to become the most-performed Christmas song ever, the Nat King Cole version is the one we usually think of. He actually recorded three versions of it: the first in 1946, which made it into the Grammy Hall of Fame; the next with a full orchestra in 1953; and a stereophonic version in 1961, which is now part of the United States National Recording Registry.

Some may say that the best type of Christmas decoration is the one that can be eaten! The tradition of stringing popcorn has been around for centuries. German immigrants brought this delicious festivity with them to the United States in the early 20th century for their yuletide celebrations in the new homeland. Other DIY decor included fruits and nuts.

This homemade garland is synonymous with family members coming together for the holidays and decorating. When we see a tree adorned with popped corn, make our own, or taste a treat made with kettle corn, we are immediately filled with nostalgia. We can’t help but think of the warm and comforting feeling of the season.

Originally, “Let It Snow” was written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne during a California heat wave in 1945. Five years later, Frank Sinatra put out his own version of the song with The B. Swanson Quartet. And no list of holiday-themed songs would be complete with Sinatra, a true showman who institutionalized jazz and orchestra music, making it sound truly romantic.

Technically, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” does not mention Christmas, yet it became a popular choice for the holiday season, with its depiction of the weather outside being frightful. The young lover is pleaded to stay, as the fire is so delightful and there is lots of corn for popping, so just let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Fundamentally, the song “A Holly Jolly Christmas” is imploring the listener to enjoy the holiday season. Though not saying so implicitly, the song is stating that a conscientious effort must be made to celebrate the season, such as “say hello to friends” but also to “everyone you meet.”

And the only reference to family, if you will, featured therein is when the singer also admonishes presumably male listeners in particular to use the opportunity to get close to that special someone.

But Burl means more in the amorous sense since he references “the mistletoe”, a plant traditionally used during the holiday season as a means to kiss someone. However, even though Ives uses a female pronoun to describe the person receiving this kiss, it is also possible that he isn’t referring to a romantic interest at all but rather your mom for instance.

There’s a cute play on words going on here. It’s Christmas, bucko, so look happy! But as some of us know all too well, “cup of cheer” refers more specifically to a brimming cup of holiday happy juice. Booze. Whether it’s spiked egg nog, mulled cider, or some other libation, the narrator here is inviting listeners to raise a glass, drink, and be merry.

“A Holly Jolly Christmas” was written by Johnny Marks in 1962 and most famously performed by Burl Ives two years later for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s television debut. Burl Ives voiced the narrator, Sam the Snowman, and was asked to perform this song as well as “Silver and Gold” because of his singing fame.

The late Johnny Marks, in addition to being the artist of this song, wrote numerous other holiday classics such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, “Run, Rudolph, Run”, and “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”.

Also called “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas”, the song has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. However, it is Ives’ version that is the most popular. He actually recorded two versions of the song, one in 1962 and then a slower version released in October 1965, that proved to be more successful.

Burl Ives, born to Illinois tenant farmers, was a former professional footballer and banjo player. He had a warm, mellow voice suited perfectly for singing sentimental festival songs, such as “Frosty the Snowman”. Ives could easily have played Father Christmas in any stage or film production, as he had the figure and appearance of St. Nick, complete with a white beard, chuckle, and grin of the very best Santas.

We have all endured the pain and sadness associated with the end of a relationship, as well as the inevitable pain that results from seeing your ex again a year later. It’s the reopening of that wound “Last Christmas” by Wham! focused on. A song about a failed relationship, and the sadness that the holidays trigger. It is probably this acknowledgment of loss that has led to the song’s popularity, paying tribute to how miserable the holidays can be and that not every Christmas ends with a kiss under the mistletoe.

The song’s lyrics build upon a couple’s failed attempt at forever love and that this year he will be more careful to whom he lets his heart open. Following a lover’s path through their emotions, “Last Christmas” discusses denial, avoidance, reminiscence, anger, and finally closure. The song actually has very little to do with Christmas, as the phrase ‘Last Christmas’ is the only reference in the song to the holiday season.

Described as the high watermark of mid-80s British synthpop songcraft by the Guardian, George Michael wrote “Last Christmas” in his childhood bedroom while visiting his parents with Andrew Ridgeley in the summer of 1984. Released later that same year, George Michael wrote, performed, produced, and even played every instrument on the track. Wham! donated all of the royalties from the song to the Ethiopian famine.

For over 36 years, “Last Christmas” was the best-selling UK single ever to not hit the number one spot. In 2017, it reached #2 on the charts as a tribute to George Michael’s death on Christmas Day in 2016. Wham! finally achieved number one with ‘Last Christmas’ in 2021.

A remarkable soundtrack that illuminated the movie “Home Alone” pulls at our heartstrings and allows us to feel the pain of missing loved ones during the holidays. The feelings of Christmases past, spent with loved ones in the kitchen baking gingerbread cookies, sitting around a glowing fire in the arms of a lover, or simply gathering around the dinner table with family, “Somewhere in my Memory” is the sound of Christmas.

Capturing perfectly the feeling of the holidays, “Somewhere in My Memory” is the perfect undertone sound and the theme song to the 1990 film “Home Alone”. Heard throughout the movie, either in full length or fragments, when hearing this song the feeling of the holidays will overcome you.

Written over a weekend, the music for “Somewhere in My Memory” was composed by John Williams and the lyrics were written by Leslie Bricusse. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, it is the backbone for the film’s soundtrack and a perfect calming contrast to Macaulay Culkin’s modern slapstick comedy.

This classic holiday song is inspired by snow covered roads and striped candy treats, both symbols of the wintery holiday season. Small village streets were often called lanes. In the winter, the snow and ice on the road at night can sparkle and glow if the light hits it just right – hence, silver lanes aglow. Leaving a cooling sensation, mint could be described as the flavor of snow.

Candy canes are a nostalgic symbol of Christmas. This candy was first invented around 1670 in Cologne, Germany at the request of the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral. These bent sugar sticks (designed to resemble a shepard’s crook) were made as a way to silence children during the lengthy Christmas church pageants. Peppermint and the traditional red stripes were added much later in the 1900s.

Although ‘It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas’ has been recorded by many artists, our favorite is the Bing Crosby version recorded October 1, 1951.

Originally titled “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas”, this holiday classic was written by Meredith Willson in 1951. It is believed that Willson wrote the song while visiting Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The song makes reference to a “tree in the Grand Hotel” believe to be in the Yarmouth’s Grand Hotel and “one in the park as well” located directly across from the hotel in Frost Park. Another possibility is that the song lyrics were inspired by the Historic Park Inn Hotel in Willson’s hometown of Mason City, Iowa. The Park Inn Hotel, situated in downtown Mason City overlooking central park, is the last remaining hotel in the world designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.