Frosted windowpanes. Candles gleaming inside. Painted candy canes on the tree. Santa’s on his way. He’s filled his sleigh with things. Things for you and for me. It’s that time of year when the world falls in love. Every song you hear seems to say, “Merry Christmas. May your New Year’s dreams come true.” And this song of mine, in three-quarter time, wishes you and yours the same thing, too.

It is said that one hot day in Los Angeles, Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne received a call from Frank Sinatra requesting a new Christmas song. Since it had been less than a decade since the release of White Christmas, the writers thought he was off his rocker, but they eventually obliged. Thus we have the Christmas Waltz.

Since its first recording in 1954 by Sinatra, the song has been covered by over forty different artists.

Like many other songs of the season, the lyrics take us on a stroll (or dance) down memory lane through all the trimmings of the season. Santa’s there. The tree is ready. And candles are all aglow.

But the key piece, yet again, is that the world falls in love. It is a time of cheer, to be certain. However, what truly marks this season is the love that is shared in all its various forms.

And, as Irving Berlin once wrote, the best things happen while you’re dancing. This song is certainly in keeping with that. So enjoy!

Traditional Hymns & Carols – O Come, All Ye Faithful & No Wind at the Window

Lessons & Carols – The Coventry Carol