You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
You really are a heel.
You're as cuddly as a cactus, 

You're as charming as an eel, 
Mr. Grinch.
You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel.

You're a monster, Mr. Grinch.
Your heart's an empty hole.
Your brain is full of spiders.
You've got garlic in your soul, Mr Grinch.
I wouldn't touch you with a 
Thirty-nine and a half foot pole.

You're a vile one, Mr. Grinch.
You have termites in your smile, 
You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile, 
Mr Grinch.
Given the choice between the two of you, 
I'd take the seasick crocodile.

You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch.
You're a nasty wasty skunk.
Your heart is full of unwashed socks.
Your soul is full of gunk, 
Mr Grinch.

The three best words that best describe you, 
Are as follows, and I quote"
Stink! 
Stank! 
Stunk! 

You're a rotter Mr Grinch
You're the king of sinful sots
Your hearts a dead tomato squashed with moldy purple spots
Mr Grinch

Your sole is a appalling dump heap 
Overflowing with the most disgraceful
Assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable, 
Mangled up in tangled up knots.

You nauseate me, Mr Grinch
With a noxious super nos
You're a crooked jerky jockey and, 
You drive a crooked horse
Mr Grinch! 

You're a three-decker sauerkraut
And toadstool sandwich, 
With arsenic sauce!

"Welcome Christmas" from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Fahoo fores, dahoo dores

Welcome Christmas, come this way
Fahoo fores, dahoo dores
Welcome Christmas, Christmas day

Welcome, welcome fahoo ramus
Welcome, welcome dahoo damus
Christmas day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to clasp

Fahoo fores, dahoo dores
Welcome Christmas, bring your cheer
Fahoo fores, dahoo dores
Welcome all who's far and near

Welcome Christmas, fahoo ramus
Welcome Christmas, dahoo damus
Christmas day will always be
Just so long as we have we

Fahoo fores, dahoo dores
Welcome Christmas, bring your light

Welcome Christmas, fahoo ramus
Welcome Christmas, dahoo damus
Welcome Christmas, while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand

Fahoo fores, dahoo dores
Welcome, welcome Christmas, Christmas day.

SONGWRITERS
GEISEL, THEODOR S. / HAGUE, ALBERT

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas

The First Christmas Story

The Old Testament prophet Isaiah prophesied of Christ's birth several hundred years before it happened. He said "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).  Immanuel is a title that means "God with us".

Describing the importance of the Savior's life and role, Isaiah said, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

In a vision to the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi, the young woman named Mary, who was chosen to be the Mother of our Lord, was described as being "a virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins" (1 Nephi 11:15).

Mary learned of her great blessing and responsibility from an angel.  Luke, a disciple of Jesus Christ, told how this happened: "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that are favoured, The Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women."

"And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. An angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.  And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus."

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:26-33)

Matthew, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, wrote about Mary and Joseph, and how they became the parents of the new born Savior of the World: "When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily."

"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, though son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."

"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." (Matthew 1:18-25)

The time had come for Mary to give birth to her child.  But as Luke explained, this did not happen until after Joseph and Mary took a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem: ""And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed."

"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn, and wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ The Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad they saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:1-20)

Matthew told of how the wise men from the east also came to visit the new born King of Israel: ""Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."

"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born."

"And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."

"Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also."

"When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:1-11)

Scotty McCreery - Christmas in Heaven

The First Gift of Christmas: A Scriptural Account of God's Gift to the World

Jesus Christ was God's gift to the world - the first gift of Christmas. The following scriptures are found in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore The Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Isaiah 9:6
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Micah 5:2
"But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."

1 Nephi 10:4 
"Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world."

1 Nephi 11:14-21
"And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou? And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins... And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh... And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!"

Mosiah 3:5-8
"For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases... And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary."

Alma 7:7, 10
"For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come; and behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they all—for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people.

And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God."

Helaman 14:1-8
"And now it came to pass that Samuel, the Lamanite...said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign... and it shall be the night before he is born.

And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you. And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven. And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder, insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth. And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life."

Luke 1:26-29
"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, The Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women."

Luke 1:30-33
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

3 Nephi 1:12-21
And it came to pass that he [Nephi] cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying: Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets... And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given.

And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.

And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.

And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets. And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.

Matthew 1:18-21
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily."

"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, though son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."

Luke 2:1-7
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn, and wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

Luke 2:8-14
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ The Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2:15-20
"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

Matthew 2:1-6
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.  When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."

"And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.  And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."

Matthew 2:7-12
"Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.  When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.  And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."

Christmas Spirit is Everywhere

Christmas Spirit is Everywhere

by Ken R. Young

Decorations and twinkling lights 

Adorn the house and bring us cheer

Candles are glowing

Outside it's snowing

The spirit of Christmas is here

The smells of Christmas fill the air

Peppermint, pine and cinnamon

Good things are baking

Having fun making

Holiday treats for everyone

The family gathers 'round the tree

Sharing stories of Christmas night

Presents we're wrapping

Yule logs are crackling

Love in our hearts is burning bright

Chorus:

Ding, dong bells, ring out clear!

Our love is strong this time of year

Music and laughter fill the air

Christmas spirit is everywhere

Carolers singing joyful songs

About the babe from up above

Mary's little boy

Gave us hope and joy

Our Father's gift of peace and love

Heavenly angels came and sang

To shepherds on that first Christmas

Singing with loud voice

Be glad and rejoice

A Savior to live and die for us

Three wise men saw the shining star

and came to see the newborn king

To Him they gave honor

Gold, frankincense and myrrh

We also give our praise and sing

Chorus:

Ding, dong bells, ring out clear!

Our love is strong this time of year

Music and laughter fill the air

Christmas spirit is everywhere

Ding, dong bells, bring good cheer

Tell everyone "Christmas is here!"

Fill the whole world with love and care

Christmas spirit is everywhere

O Come, Emmanuel - Christmas Version - ThePianoGuys

Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

Libera 'Carol of the Bells' - The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - BYU Vocal Point

More About "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is an enduring animated holiday classic, adapted from a book written by Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" made its debut two days before Christmas in 1966, and has been shown on television every year since. But since Geisel was not keen on any of his stories being adapted into other mediums, it took a lot of persuasion from one of his friends to bring "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" to the silver screen.

Ted Geisel was fifty three years old when "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" was first published in 1957. The book was an immediate hit, and eventually one of Geisel's old buddies, Chuck Jones, came to him with the idea of turning it into a carton for the holidays. Jones was the man who had brought such characters as the Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wily E. Coyote, and more to life, working for the Warner Brothers cartoon studio. 

Jones and Geisel knew each other from years before when they had made a series of training cartons for World War II together. Geisel had created a character named "Private Snafu", a screw-up of a soldier who was an example of how not to be. The Army used to show the cartoons to enlisted men, and Jones was one of the directors working alongside Geisel from 1943 through 1945.

Jones wanted Boris Karloff to narrate "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", but Geisel was taken aback at the suggestion that someone so connected to the horror genre would have a role in the project. When Jones told Geisel that Karloff always read stories to his grand children, and when he actually heard him read the script, he agreed Boris was the right man for the job. 

One of the problems with the adaptation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" was that it included the actual text of the book in spoken form, and it takes but a few minutes to read the story. Geisel added the two songs, "Welcome, Christmas" and "You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch" and he decided to make the text a bit longer with some added passages. The resulting additions allowed the cartoon to run for 26 minutes, perfect for television with its breaks for commercials.

In the book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", the Grinch is actually black and white, but Jones decided it should be green, with a longer face, and Geisel would remark that the Grinch in the cartoon looked like Jones himself somewhat. The music to Geisel's lyrics was composed by Albert Hague, who had played the music teacher on the television series "Fame". "You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch" was sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, who was better known as the voice of Frosted Flake's Tony the Tiger for fifty three years in over five hundred television commercials. Ravenscroft's name was unintentional left out of the screen credits, leading many to believe that Karloff had sung the song, as his voice was similar in tone. Geisel would send letters to every major newspaper columnist in America explaining the oversight. 

The other song, "Welcome Christmas", had lyrics that sounded like they were Latin, but they were just made up words; this did not stop people from writing the studio asking for the Latin translation!

You will notice in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" that when he rescues the sleigh and all of the Christmas trappings from going over the side of the mountain that the pupils of his eyes turn from red to blue. Karloff's voice, when speaking as the Grinch, was made to sound different by having the highs removed mechanically. The Grinch would appear in other specials, including "Halloween is Grinch Night", but none of them were nearly as magical as "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", which at over three hundred thousand dollars had been one of the most expensive animated projects ever up to that time.

Theodore Geisel died in 1991, at the age of eighty-seven. His second wife, Audrey, was responsible for all matters pertaining to the licensing of his books, and she gave permission for a live re-make of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" to be made, directed by Ron Howard and starring Jim Carrey. But it could not recapture the cartoon's message of Christmas being more than material things, and when Mike Myers starred in a terrible and critically panned film version of "The Cat in the Hat", Geisel's widow reportedly pulled the plug on any future movie projects. 

Chuck Jones passed away in 2002, with a legacy as one of the cartoon industry's greats. Boris Karloff left us in 1969 at the age of eighty one, the movie monster whose voice will forever be remembered for narrating "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Thurl Ravenscroft is also gone, dying at ninety one in 2005. 

The creators of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" may be dead, but the spirit they injected into this cartoon will live on for a long, long time.

by Carl Kolchak, Yahoo Contributor Network
Nov 18, 2006 

Carol of the Bells - Pentatonix

Angels We Have Heard On High - Pentatonix

The First Christmas Tree by Eugene Field

Once upon a time the forest was in a great commotion. Early in the evening the wise old cedars had shaken their heads ominously and predicted strange things.  They lived in the forest many, many years; but they had never seen such marvellous sights as were to be seen now in the sky, and upon the hills, and in the distant village.

"I am filled with such amazement," said one of the cedars, "that I can hardly speak.  The whole sky seems to be aflame, and the stars appear to be dancing among the clouds; angles walk down from heaven to the earth, and enter the village or talk with the shepherds upon the hills."

"Pray tell us what you see,” pleaded a little vine; “we who are not as tall as you can behold none of these wonderful things. Describe them to us, that we may enjoy them with you.”

The vine listened in mute astonishment. Such things never before had happened. The vine trembled with excitement. Its nearest neighbor was a tiny tree, so small it scarcely ever was noticed; yet it was a very beautiful little tree, and the vines and ferns and mosses and other humble residents of the forest loved it dearly.

“How I should like to see the angels!” sighed the little tree, “and how I should like to see the stars dancing among the clouds! It must be very beautiful.”

As the vine and the little tree talked of these things, the cedars watched with increasing interest the wonderful scenes over and beyond the confines of the forest. Presently they thought they heard music, and they were not mistaken, for soon the whole air was full of the sweetest harmonies ever heard upon earth.

“What beautiful music!” cried the little tree. “I wonder whence it comes.”

“The angels are singing,” said a cedar; “for none but angels could make such sweet music.”

“But the stars are singing, too,” said another cedar; “yes, and the shepherds on the hills join in the song, and what a strangely glorious song it is!”

The trees listened to the singing, but they did not understand its meaning: it seemed to be an anthem, and it was of a Child that had been born; but further than this they did not understand. The strange and glorious song continued all the night; and all that night the angels walked to and fro, and the shepherd-folk talked with the angels, and the stars danced and carolled in high heaven. 

And it was nearly morning when the cedars cried out, “They are coming to the forest! the angels are coming to the forest!” And, surely enough, this was true. The vine and the little tree were very terrified, and they begged their older and stronger neighbors to protect them from harm. But the cedars were too busy with their own fears to pay any heed to the faint pleadings of the humble vine and the little tree. 

The angels came into the forest, singing the same glorious anthem about the Child, and the stars sang in chorus with them, until every part of the woods rang with echoes of that wondrous song. There was nothing in the appearance of this angel host to inspire fear; they were clad all in white, and there were crowns upon their fair heads, and golden harps in their hands; love, hope, charity, compassion, and joy beamed from their beautiful faces, and their presence seemed to fill the forest with a divine peace. 

The angels came through the forest to where the little tree stood, and gathering around it, they touched it with their hands, and kissed its little branches, and sang even more sweetly than before. And their song was about the Child, the Child, the Child that had been born. Then the stars came down from the skies and danced and hung upon the branches of the tree, and they, too, sang that song,–the song of the Child. 

And all the other trees and the vines and the ferns and the mosses beheld in wonder; nor could they understand why all these things were being done, and why this exceeding honor should be shown the little tree.

When the morning came the angels left the forest,–all but one angel, who remained behind and lingered near the little tree. Then a cedar asked: “Why do you tarry with us, holy angel?” And the angel answered: “I stay to guard this little tree, for it is sacred, and no harm shall come to it.”

The little tree felt quite relieved by this assurance, and it held up its head more confidently than ever before. And how it thrived and grew, and waxed in strength and beauty! The cedars said they never had seen the like. The sun seemed to lavish its choicest rays upon the little tree, heaven dropped its sweetest dew upon it, and the winds never came to the forest that they did not forget their rude manners and linger to kiss the little tree and sing it their prettiest songs. No danger ever menaced it, no harm threatened; for the angel never slept,–through the day and through the night the angel watched the little tree and protected it from all evil. 

Oftentimes the trees talked with the angel; but of course they understood little of what he said, for he spoke always of the Child who was to become the Master; and always when thus he talked, he caressed the little tree, and stroked its branches and leaves, and moistened them with his tears. It all was so very strange that none in the forest could understand.

So the years passed, the angel watching his blooming charge. Sometimes the beasts strayed toward the little tree and threatened to devour its tender foliage; sometimes the woodman came with his axe, intent upon hewing down the straight and comely thing; sometimes the hot, consuming breath of drought swept from the south, and sought to blight the forest and all its verdure: the angel kept them from the little tree. Serene and beautiful it grew, until now it was no longer a little tree, but the pride and glory of the forest.

One day the tree heard some one coming through the forest. Hitherto the angel had hastened to its side when men approached; but now the angel strode away and stood under the cedars yonder.

“Dear angel,” cried the tree, “can you not hear the footsteps of some one approaching? Why do you leave me?”

“Have no fear,” said the angel; “for He who comes is the Master.”

The Master came to the tree and beheld it. He placed His hands upon its smooth trunk and branches, and the tree was thrilled with a strange and glorious delight. Then He stooped and kissed the tree, and then He turned and went away.

Many times after that the Master came to the forest, and when He came it always was to where the tree stood. Many times He rested beneath the tree and enjoyed the shade of its foliage, and listened to the music of the wind as it swept through the rustling leaves. Many times He slept there, and the tree watched over Him, and the forest was still, and all its voices were hushed. And the angel hovered near like a faithful sentinel.

Ever and anon men came with the Master to the forest, and sat with Him in the shade of the tree, and talked with Him of matters which the tree never could understand; only it heard that the talk was of love and charity and gentleness, and it saw that the Master was beloved and venerated by the others. It heard them tell of the Master’s goodness and humility,–how He had healed the sick and raised the dead and bestowed inestimable blessings wherever He walked. And the tree loved the Master for His beauty and His goodness; and when He came to the forest it was full of joy, but when He came not it was sad. And the other trees of the forest joined in its happiness and its sorrow, for they, too, loved the Master. And the angel always hovered near.

The Master came one night alone into the forest, and His face was pale with anguish and wet with tears, and He fell upon His knees and prayed. The tree heard Him, and all the forest was still, as if it were standing in the presence of death. And when the morning came, lo! the angel had gone.

Then there was a great confusion in the forest. There was a sound of rude voices, and a clashing of swords and staves. Strange men appeared, uttering loud oaths and cruel threats, and the tree was filled with terror. It called aloud for the angel, but the angel came not.

“Alas,” cried the vine, “they have come to destroy the tree, the pride and glory of the forest!”

The forest was sorely agitated, but it was in vain. The strange men plied their axes with cruel vigor, and the tree was hewn to the ground. Its beautiful branches were cut away and cast aside, and its soft, thick foliage was strewn to the tenderer mercies of the winds.

“They are killing me!” cried the tree; “why is not the angel here to protect me?”

But no one heard the piteous cry,–none but the other trees of the forest; and they wept, and the little vine wept too.

Then the cruel men dragged the despoiled and hewn tree from the forest, and the forest saw that beauteous thing no more.

But the night wind that swept down from the City of the Great King that night to ruffle the bosom of distant Galilee, tarried in the forest awhile to say that it had seen that day a cross upraised on Calvary,–the tree on which was stretched the body of the dying Master.

Silver Bells - Original song from "The Lemon Drop Kid" 1951

How Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Came Into Being

RUDOLPH AND I WERE SOMETHING ALIKE

By Robert L. May, Evanston, Ill.

An icy January blast tore at my coast as I hurried on my way to work. I noticed that the Christmas street decorations had been taken down, and in a way I was relieved. My wife was suffering from a long illness and I didn’t feel very festive.

I was glad to get inside the foyer of the Montgomery Ward building. In the elevator I leaned back and listened to the younger men eagerly discuss their work.

“And how are you starting the new year?” I glumly asked myself. Here I was, heavily in debt at age 35, still grinding out catalogue copy. Instead of writing the great American novel, as I’d once hoped, I was describing men’s white shirt. It seemed I’d always been a loser.

In the copy department a secretary called. “Bob, the boss wants to see you.”

What now? I wondered.

DECIDED TO TRY

Our department head stood at the window in his office. “Bob,” he barked, “I’ve got an idea. For years our stores have been buying those little Christmas giveaway coloring books from local peddlers. I think we can save a lot of money if we create one ourselves. Could you come up with a better booklet we could use?”

I started to answer but he kept right on talking. “I think it should be an animal story, with a main character like Ferdinand the Bill.”

Finally I said I’d try.

That night, I wondered about what kind of animal it should be. Christmas. Santa. Reindeer? Of course; it must be a reindeer – Barbara, my four-year-old daughter, loved the deer down at the zoo.

BRIGHT RED NOSE

But what could a little reindeer teach children?

Suppose he were an underdog – a loser, yet triumphant in the end. But what kind of underdog. Certainly a reindeer’s dream would be to pull Santa’s sleigh.

Outside, the fog swirled in from Lake Michigan, dimming the street lights. Light. Something to help Santa find his way on a night like this.

Suddenly I had it! A nose! A bright red nose that would shine through fog like a floodlight.

HE HAD FAITH

The next morning I enthusiastically presented my idea to the boss. “For gosh sakes, Bob, can’t you do better than that?”

I retreated to my desk and sat staring at the wall. I had faith in the reindeer I had by now named Rudolph. But how could I convince the boss? I prayed for inspiration.

An idea struck me. A bold, audacious idea. I walked over to the art department, where my friend Denver Gillen worked. “Denver, could you draw a deer with a big red nose and make him look appealing?”

He looked at me quizzically and I explained my idea. The following Saturday morning, Barbara, Denver and I met at the deer corral at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo. As he sketched, I held Barbara up so she could better see those gentle creatures.

WE HAD SOMETHING

By afternoon we felt we had something.

On Monday morning we brought the sketches into the boss’s office. He studied them for a long time. “Bob,” he said softly, “forget what I said and put the story into finished form.”

I started writing:

“Twas the day before Christmas and all through the hills – The reindeer were playing . . . enjoying the spills . . .”

Spring slipped into summer. My wife’s parents came to stay with us to help. Suddenly her condition grew worse. Then in July she was gone.

At the office the boss put his hand on my shoulder. “Bob,” he said, his voice unusually gentle. “I can understand your not wanting to go on with the kids’ book. Give me what you’ve got and I’ll let someone else finish it.”

HIS REWARD

But I needed Rudolph now more than ever. Gratefully I buried myself in the writing. Finally, in late August, it was done. I called Barbara and her grandparents into the living room and read it to them.

In their eyes I could see that the story accomplished what I had hoped.

Today children all over the world read and hear about the little deer who started out in life as a loser, just as I did. But they learn that when he gave himself for others, his handicap became the very means through which he received happiness.

My reward is knowing that every year, when Christmas rolls around, Rudolph still brings that message to millions, both young and old.

Additional Notes:

Montgomery Ward had been buying and giving away coloring books for Christmas every year and it was decided that creating their own book would save money. May considered naming the reindeer "Rollo" and "Reginald" before deciding upon using the name "Rudolph". In its first year of publication, 2.5 million copies of Rudolph's story were distributed by Montgomery Ward.

The Song

May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, adapted the story of Rudolph into a song. Gene Autry's recording of the song hit No. 1 on the Billboard pop singles chart the week of Christmas 1949. Autry's recording sold 2.5 million copies the first year, eventually selling a total of 25 million, and it remained the second best-selling record of all time until the 1980s

The Children's Book

In 1958, Golden Books published an illustrated storybook, adapted by Barbara Shook Hazen and illustrated by Richard Scarry. The book is similar in story to the Max Fleischer cartoon short. It is no longer in print. However, a revised Golden Books version of the storybook has since been issued.

The TV Special

In 1964, the tale was adapted into a stop-motion Christmas special by Rankin/Bass. Filmed entirely in Japan with all sound recordings done in Toronto, Canada, the show premiered on NBC, drastically altering the original telling of the story. This re-telling chronicles Rudolph's social rejection among his peers and his decision to run away from home. Rudolph is accompanied by a similarly-outcast elf named Hermey, whose dreams of becoming a dentist are shunned by the other elves, along with a loud, boisterous, eager prospector named Yukon Cornelius who was in search of wealth. Additional original characters include Rudolph's love interest, Clarice; the antagonistic Abominable Snowman; and, as narrator, the anthropomorphic Sam the Snowman, voiced by Burl Ives.

After the story's initial broadcast, its closing credits were revised. Images of wrapped presents being dropped from Santa's sleigh were replaced by "Misfit" Toys being dropped to the homes of children below, where they were found by children who loved them. The changes were prompted by viewer feedback pleading for a happy ending for each toy. The special now airs annually on CBS, rather than NBC, and is hailed as a classic by many. The special's original assortment of trademarked characters have acquired iconic status, and its alterations of the true storyline are frequently parodied in other works. The sequel Rudolph's Shiny New Year continued the reindeer's journeys.