Merry Little Christmas
Well, it’s that hap, hap, happiest time of the year once again, time to roll out my Top Ten list of the best Christmas songs ever recorded. So, here we go: Beginning with number 10 – It’s Bob & Doug McKinzie from “The Great White North” with their silly rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
In the number 9 spot this week, we have “Holly, Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives (Hmmm, I’m beginning to sound like Casey Kasem). In the number 8 slot is “Last Christmas” by Wham, followed by Brenda Lee with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in seventh place.
Next up, in sixth place, is a Hawaiian favorite: “Mele Kalikimaka.” Coming in at number 5 is John & Yoko’s “Happy Christmas/War is Over,” followed by fourth place “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano. In third place is Johnny Mathis’ “Winter Wonderland.”
Well, it’s getting toward the end and the suspense is mounting, so hold onto your hats. In second place is ”Christmas, Baby Please Come Home” by Darlene Love. Now, are you holding onto your hat (or wig). Here comes the coveted Top Christmas Song of All Time (according to me). Ta, da, da, da, dah! Chrissy Hynde & The Pretenders with “Merry Little Christmas.” (What a coincidence, it’s the same as this week’s musing title)
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light, from now on, our troubles will be out of sight. Have yourself a merry little Christmas, make the Yuletide gay. From now on, all our troubles will be miles away…” (“Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland -1944 – Co-written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blaine)
Now, how about we talk about some of our choices for Christmas gifts. Clothing is always popular but get the right size. There are several fine apparel shops in the mountaintop area, such as Sondra’s and Alexandra’s Emporium, both in Lake Arrowhead Village. Goodwin’s Market has local T-shirts and sweatshirts in Crestline and, in Running Springs, there’s Golden Oaks Thrift shop and, for your skiing togs, Above and Beyond Sports and LeRoy’s in Lake Arrowhead Village.
We mustn’t forget the little ones; they like lots of toys. There’s Mr. G’s for Toys in Lake Arrowhead Village and The Treasure Box in Crestline has become a completely child-focused creative-play toy store. It’s best to “Shop on Top” to “Keep our Mountain Green.”
For the man in your life “Ace is the place” for those chain saws, snow shovels and other mountain-man stuff. There are numerous gift stores for that special lady in your life all over the village and towns up here.
But, if you do go down the hill, please avoid buying toy weapons and violent video games like Mortal Kombat, Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed and Dead Rising 2. In my opinion these violent games should never be placed under the Christmas tree or anywhere else. I mean, after all, we will be celebrating the birthday of the “Prince of Peace” on Christmas Day.
“Through the years, we’ll always be together, if the Fates allow. Hang a shining star upon the highest bough, so have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”
Keep it flyin’ Uncle Mott