“White
Christmas” with Lee McKenzie
The Pacific Northwest is well known for its
green Christmases, and a green Christmas is one of the things I most love about
living here. So it may sound a little strange that “White Christmas” is my
favorite Christmas song, because I’m definitely not dreaming of one!
So why is it
my favorite song? Let’s start with a little history. “White Christmas” was
written by Irving Berlin and first performed by Bing Crosby on Christmas Day in
1941, and then in 1942 the song was featured in the film Holiday Inn and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
“White Christmas” has been recorded by
dozens of artists—Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Smokey Robinson,
Bob Marley, Dean Martin, Barbara Steisand, The Partridge Family, Kenny Rogers
and Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Michael Bublé, Taylor Swift, Andrea Bocelli,
Lady Gaga, and the cast members of Glee—to
name just a few.
But
it’s the 1954 version of the song in the film White Christmas that’s always been my favorite. I can’t remember
the first time I saw this film, and I can’t begin to guess how many times I’ve
watched it. Suffice to say…lots! I love Christmas and I love romantic comedies,
and the two are perfectly paired in holiday classic. There’s a real innocence
to the production with its heartwarming story, engaging song and dance numbers,
the oh-so-fake sets, and the gorgeous costumes. I especially love the stunning
black gown worn by Rosemary Clooney when she performs “Love, You Didn't Do
Right By Me.”
Every year after I finish decorating the
house and wrapping the gifts and planning the meals, I dig out my old VHS copy
of White Christmas and curl up with a
steaming mug of hot chocolate and huge bowl of popcorn.
As the closing number begins, with Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney,
Danny Kaye and Vera Ellen in their red and white outfits performing “White
Christmas,” then and only then does it truly feel like Christmas at my house.
And when that curtain goes up behind them to reveal the falling snow, I have
all the white Christmas I need!
Thank you to Kate for inviting me to join in your 12 Days event.
Merry Christmas!
Lee
Lee McKenzie writes lighthearted
contemporary romance that’s been described as fifty shades of pink. Today she’s
giving away a copy of The Christmas
Secret (Harlequin American Romance) to one commenter. The second book in
this series, The Daddy Project is on
sale now. For more about Lee and her books, readers can visit her at www.LeeMcKenzie.com.
9 comments:
Great post, Lee - and great blog, Kate!
I, myself, am dreaming of a white christmas...and from the sounds of it, we might just get it!
All the best to you both!
Lisa McManus Lange
Merry Christmas, Lisa! I'm counting on green, otherwise my family might not make it home :-(
Lovely memory, Lee. I always loved that version as well. And who needs snow in the Lower Mainland, eh? Don't look now, but there's a bit of white stuff on the grass & roofs! I really enjoy playing Christmas songs through the holidays, humming and singing along, 'conducting' the music as well! Merry Christmas and have a wonderful family time together.
Celia, I'm sure you're an awesome conductor!
No snow where I live, and I'm hoping it stays that way :)
Nice memories.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Yes BN...the holidays are all about making memories!
I like to dream about a White Christmas but after growing up in a place where we had 4 to 5 months of snow on the ground... Much better to curl up on the sofa with all the snow happening in a favourite Christmas show.
Jacqui, you're a kindred spirit! On-screen snow is my favorite kind!
Appreciate your bllog post
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