Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

In a year where Bruce Springsteen celebrated several career milestones including the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece record, Born To Run, the 45th anniversary of his double album, The River, the end of another successful world tour AND he was the subject of the biopic, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere”, 2025 also marks 50 years since he made his first contribution to the holiday season, recorded December 12, 1975.

Here’s how Bruce’s social media accounts announced the anniversary:

“Bruce kicked off the holiday season in a lasting way, on this day 50 years ago, performing “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” at C.W. Post during the “Born to Run” tour — a bit of concert magic that grew into the holiday tradition we know today.”

I grew up on Long Island, so the fact that this song was recorded on my old stomping grounds makes me feel even closer to my hero. And 20 years ago, in October 2005 when Springsteen was on a solo acoustic tour for Devils & Dust, I saw him perform not far from that college campus-at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. During that show, Bruce made a comment about my hometown that has always stuck with me. He said, “Long Island & New Jersey-the flip side of the same tragic coin”. He always makes even the darkest reality a poetic moment.

When Bruce released his final single from Born In The U.S.A. 40 years ago in November 1985, the B side was his 1975 Christmas recording. This is my very own copy of it. (Image by me.)

(Image by me.)

(Image by me.)

Bruce Springsteen: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” (1981 & 1985, recorded live at C.W. Post College in Brookville, NY on December 12, 1975, written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie).

Bruce Springsteen: “Merry Christmas Baby” (1986, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!