Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A scene from The Peanuts Christmas special. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” premiered 59 years ago on December 9, 1965. The story about CB’s despondent mood over the commercialism of the season and the gang’s reaction over his choice of Christmas tree which just wilted as he tried his best to give it some sparkle made it seem as if he had little hope of enjoying the holiday.

Enter the sage & gentle Linus who knew the tree just needed a little love & that CB just needed a reminder about what Christmas is really all about. Linus delivered that message through an eloquent recitation from the Book of Luke. It remains an absolutely perfect holiday special complete with an innovative and delightful soundtrack with six tracks written exclusively for the show including today’s song, which is my favorite.

Three iconic scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney contributed a captivating & light jazzy version of today’s song in 1996 courtesy of her third holiday album, White Christmas. The Girl Singer was featured in the 1954 movie of the same name and throughout her five decade career, she gifted us with incredible music. In 1994 she made a special TV guest appearance on “ER” alongside her nephew, George Clooney.

Top: Rosemary Clooney in a still from the 1954 movie, “White Christmas”. Bottom: Clooney (R) with her nephew, George (L) in 1994 on the set of his show, “ER”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

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

Rosemary Clooney: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1996, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!