Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos. Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight… And so, I’m offering this simple phrase to kids from one to ninety-two – although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you.

Like some of our other popular songs, this classic was also written on a hot summer day 1945. The writers were supposedly not even aware they were writing lyrics because all they cared about was trying to cool off. Nat King Cole was the first to record it, though it was his second set of recordings in 1946 that made it the Christmas standard it is today.

This song captures the magic of Christmas from the beauty of winter to the wonder of Santa himself. But the best part is the final line of the song. Why? Because all of us get to be kids at Christmas, no matter our actual age.

It is a time when miracles and wonders can and do happen. It is an opportunity to create magic for others and those we love. It is the most wonderful time of the year because the whole world comes together in a great conspiracy of love.

So enjoy this song as Christmas Day approaches and remember, the magic ultimately comes from you.

Traditional Hymns & Carols – On This Day Earth Shall Ring & First Nowell

Lessons & Carols – O Magnum Mysterium