Come on Barbie. It’s National Barbie Day.
The holiday season is once again upon us, and while things may not be quite the same as they were decades ago or even just a few years ago, one thing remains constant: the music. Whether it’s the endless loop of a certain Mariah Carey anthem or the familiar jingle of the Hershey’s Kisses commercial, holiday sounds are everywhere. But the records in one’s collection offer something much more personal: a handpicked playlist, free from repetition and advertisements.
So, here it is: my Santa’s list of favourite records of yuletide cheer, in no particular order.
1. Christmas Songs to Tickle Your Funny Bone (Wonderland Golden, 1972)
Utilizing familiar children’s tunes with new lyrics, the team of Ruth Roberts, her husband Gene Piller, and William Gotti crafted playful holiday songs, set to lively arrangements by guitarist Al Caiola. Standout tracks include: Oh Give Me a Bike with a Ring-Ding I Like (Home on the Range), The Ride of the One Horse Open Sleigh (Jingle Bells), The Jolly Gent Who Jingles (Yellow Rose of Texas), Christmas Candles (Rueben, Rueben) and a reimagining of On Top of the Housetop (Up on the Housetop).
2. The Little Drummer Boy (Peter Pan/Tinkerbell, 1973)
Though it opens with a reprise of the Peter Pan 1959 cover of The Little Drummer Boy in the style of the Harry Simone Chorale, the album marches to the beat of a different drum, so to speak. The rest of the record features original compositions by Ruth Roberts and her collaborators, including a few reworks from Christmas Songs to Tickle Your Funny Bone. Highlights include: The Twenty-Fifth of December, Christmas on the Farm, The Chimney and the Fireplace, A Doodle-Oodle Christmas Song, and the fun and frantic Christmas Rush.
3. Sleigh Ride / Jingle Bells (Peter Pan/Tinkerbell, 1973)
Originally released on Peter Pan’s Diplomat label in 1969, this original holiday production features music and lyrics by Tony Eira, who also penned the compositions for Children’s Treasury of Batman. Performed by the in-house ensemble, the Caroleer Singers, the album leans into a quirky charm. The harmonizing can be unusual at times, but it only adds to the appeal, and one can’t help but want to sing along, as this writer tends to do whenever the album is spinning.
4. The Night Before Christmas (Peter Pan, 1977)
The only 7-inch 45 record in this list, and a read-along, at that, this release brings Clement C. Moore’s timeless poem to life with added spoken dialogue and a spirited instrumental version of Johnny Marks’ The Night Before Christmas Song playing in the background. The accompanying book features inspiring illustrations by George Peed, the prolific artist behind numerous covers and other read-alongs for Peter Pan and its subsidiaries. It’s thanks to this record that I memorized the poem when I first picked up a copy as a kid.
5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Peter Pan, 1972)
A perennial favourite, though which version one prefers may vary. This release marks Peter Pan’s third rendition of the classic Johnny Marks tune, delivered as a playfully modern arrangement. The rest of the album contains original compositions, except for a cheerful cover of All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.
This edition is also notable for its die-cut perforation on the front cover, a decorative flap designed to be torn off and displayed. In contrast, the earlier 1970 version featured the same illustration printed only on a fold-over flap that opened from the left side to obtain the record. Flipping the flap revealed a blank panel, while the right side of the cover remained intact with printed text.
6. A Christmas Adventure in Disneyland (Disneyland, 1958 / reissue, 1973)
This delightful production features the versatile Gloria Wood as narrator and voice actress in a musical story of a boy and girl who journey through Disneyland from Christmas Eve to Christmas morning. Along the way, they encounter classic Disney characters, including Mr. Toad and Sleeping Beauty. The score, composed by Salvador “Tutti” Camarata, and the narrative by animation legend Dick Huemer, bring a fantastic quality to the album. Originally released with an illustrated 11-page book, it was later reissued as a standard LP.
7. John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together (RCA, 1979)
Regardless of the holiday theme, no record collection is complete without this one, the soundtrack of the television special of the same name. From the classic, laughter-filled rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas to a touching medley that includes It’s In Every One of Us, the Muppets bring their inimitable charm to every selection, joined by the gentle sincerity of singer-songwriter John Denver. The result is a joyful, heartfelt celebration of music, friendship, and the spirit of the season. It is still enjoyed by the young and the young at heart, this writer included.
8. Christmas with the Chipmunks (Liberty, 1962)
Who wouldn’t want an album with Simon, Theodore, Dave Seville, and “AL-VIN!!!”? This classic LP showcases the squeaky-voiced trio in tight harmony, backed by a jazzy, swinging orchestra that adds bounce to every selection. From their syncopated take on Jingle Bells and the upbeat Santa Claus Is Coming to Town to the iconic The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late), the Chipmunks deliver pure nostalgia, even through Dave’s exasperated cries at Alvin’s mischievous antics.
9. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (MGM’s Leo the Lion, 1966)
The final stretch of this list includes classic soundtracks, beginning with this Grammy Award-winning gem. While the original television special featured narration by the incomparable Boris Karloff, who also voiced the Grinch, this LP includes his narration alongside re-recorded musical segments performed by a different ensemble. Fortunately, the equally incomparable Thurl Ravenscroft reprises his unforgettable performance of You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, anchoring the album with his signature booming bass.
10. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Disneyland, 1976)
Before you can say “This again?”, this entry earns its place by presenting the full soundtrack to the underrated 1974 Rankin/Bass television special, one of my personal favourites, thanks in large part to musical director Maury Laws’ excellent score. Versatile performer Joel Grey narrates the poem and voices the earnest town clockmaker. Still, some might argue that the true heart of the story belongs to George Gobel, known for the original Hollywood Squares, as Father Mouse, whose warm narration carries the emotional core of the tale. Highlights include Give Your Heart a Try, Christmas Chimes Are Calling (Santa, Santa), and Even a Miracle Needs a Hand.
11. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (MGM, 1970)
Another staple among the classic Rankin/Bass holiday offerings, this album was released by MGM the same year the television special first aired, complete with dialogue, music, and sound effects. Fred Astaire sings and narrates as the genial mailman S.D. Kluger, joined by Mickey Rooney in the title role, Paul Frees gleefully chewing the scenery as the town’s villain and his assistant Robie Lester, best known as “your Disneyland story reader” as Jessica, soon to be Mrs. Claus. If you’re having a rough day, cue up Put One Foot in Front of the Other on side two and let its optimistic message carry you forward, if only for a little while.
12. A Charlie Brown Christmas (Charlie Brown, 1977)
To say that no record collection is complete without some version of this title may be redundant, but it’s true. While I don’t yet own the original Fantasy soundtrack, this edition from Disneyland’s Charlie Brown label is the next best thing. Packaged with an illustrated read-along book, it contains the edited soundtrack of the classic television special, with dialogue and selections from Vince Guaraldi’s timeless score. Just as it resonated when watched on TV, it will continue to do so for generations to come.
And there you have it. While many other titles could have made the list, these twelve stand among the top tier in my ever-growing collection. Thank you for joining me on this musical journey, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming year. And now, if you’ll excuse me, Christmas Time is Here is playing in my head as I write, and I’m off to cue it up along with a few other favourites from my personal playlist.
Happy Holidays!
