Singer Andy Williams once told us that Christmas is the “most wonderful time of the year” – in part because we’re remembering Christmases of “long, long ago.”
As it turns out, Williams’ nostalgic words also are true about the songs themselves. The Christmas songs you sing today most likely are the same ones you learned as a child – and for many of them, there’s a story dating back centuries.
Then there’s the recent bizarre hit – “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.” What’s the story behind that … and how did it become so popular?
Our guest on this week’s edition of Off The Grid Radio is Ace Collins, the author of several Christmas books, including “Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christ” (2001) and “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (2016).
[1]
Ace tells us the fascinating history behind some of our favorite holiday tunes, including:
- “Gloria,” which has text dating back to 130 A.D.
- “Silent Night,” the 1818 song which may not have ever been sung had a church organ not broken.
- “White Christmas,” which became a hit in 1941 after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
- “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” which Judy Garland refused to perform unless certain lyrics were changed.
Collins also shares with us the history behind a popular Christmas song that broke a racial barrier. And, yes, he tells us about “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.”
Don’t miss this incredible show that will change how you view your favorite holiday tunes!