While my mom and I were out shopping a few years ago, the song "Silver Bells" began to play. "That was your grandma's favorite Christmas song," she said. Although I thought I knew everything about my grandmother - in many respects, I think I am my grandmother - I didn't know her favorite Christmas song. Every time I hear it now, I instantly think of her. I am right back in her perfect 1950s bungalow, with its pink kitchen and candy-cane striped Holt Howard figures, a stack of Christmas albums ready to play on the hi-fi.
So here's the easiest Christmas project ever: Ask your loved ones what their favorite Christmas song is. That's it. And when you hear it, you'll think of them.
My husband's favorite is "Sleigh Ride." My mom's is "White Christmas." My dad probably would have picked "White Christmas" too, but he heard my mom pick it, so he went with "Silent Night."
Then there's my grandfather's favorite Christmas song. Which I can't imagine you've ever heard, unless you're a fan of the incomparable Yogi Yorgesson. Without further ado, here is Grandpa's favorite Christmas song: "I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas":
If I had to pick a favorite, I think I might go with a traditional, non-synthesized version of "Carol of the Bells." How about you?
I'm going to try to do that this year! Mine is Silver Bells. I couldn't find the piano music for it but my hubby found it a few years ago. It's the first one I play in December! Love your post and the sweet comments, too!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | December 06, 2012 at 09:32 PM
Of the "standard" carols, i think it'd be "Good King Wenceslas" - for something more pop-ish, Hank Snow's "Reindeer Boogie" is an awful lot of fun...
Posted by: Suzanne | December 07, 2012 at 01:09 AM
As silly as it sounds, it is not Christmas for me until I hear Snoopy Vs The Red Baron. We had the album growing up and it was MY Christmas song. But your Granddads might come in a close second now!
Posted by: Jenny Sellars | December 10, 2012 at 08:15 PM
When I was growing up in the 50s and 60s my dad had a 45 record of I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas. Haven't heard this in years! Brought back memories.
Posted by: Julie Hartwig | December 20, 2012 at 01:12 AM
We've known about and loved "I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas" for years and years. What a great idea to ask for each person's favorite Christmas song.
Posted by: JoAnnn Bayne | December 28, 2012 at 05:19 PM