White Christmas

“White Christmas” is an Irving Berlin song which first aired during the Kraft Music Hall radio show on December 25, 1941.  Bing Crosby was the host of the show and he sang the carol which was sad, soulful and longing especially at the time.  Just a few weeks before, Pearl Harbor had been attacked.  

Berlin wrote the song for the 1942 musical film Holiday Inn.  His composition won the Academy Award for the Best Original Song at the 15th Academy Awards.  The song was used in three films all featuring Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas”.  The three films were Holiday Inn in 1942, Blue Skies in 1946 and White Christmas in 1954.

The lyrics of the song are about a wistful longing for a white Christmas and is an example of the nostalgia associated with the Christmas season. It is a reminder of simpler times and of a traditional holiday season filled with images of snow, sleigh rides, warm fires, writing Christmas cards, and family gatherings.  Here are the lyrics.

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten

and children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white.

The song has been featured in numerous holiday specials, films and television shows and has become an integral part of the Christmas season.  Numerous artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey have recorded this Christmas song.  It is the most-played Christmas song of all time on holiday music radio stations. 

“White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby is the best-selling Christmas/holiday single in the United States according to the Guinness Book of World Records.  Estimated sales exceed 50 million copies worldwide.   

Did you watch the movie “White Christmas” this year?  I did.  It is one of my favourite things to do on Christmas Day.

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