Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Charlie Brown and his sage friend, Linus, and that tree in a scene from the iconic “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. (United Feature Syndicate. Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s song is my favorite from the holiday special I love most. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” premiered 58 years ago on December 9, 1965. The Peanuts comic strip may have ended on February 13, 2000, but thanks to the beautiful, talented and unbelievably creative man who brought us the characters-Charles M. Schulz-and his collaboration with Bill Melendez, Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi nearly 60 decades ago, we will always have this sweet and affecting special to celebrate the season every year with some of the best friends many of us have ever known.

For a bit of a twist, I have provided the original song from the special plus his and her covers which are not only absolutely fabulous, but they will add the perfect soundtrack to any holiday event, from a party to a solo night binge watching Christmas movies at home.

“Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there“.

Three adorable scenes from the iconic 1965 TV special. (United Feature Syndicate. Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

Diana Krall: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1998, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

Barry Manilow: “Christmas Time Is Here” (2007, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!