19. White Christmas – Bing Crosby

A Song That United Hearts Across Time

Artwork by me: Enrique Seemann

Before beginning, thank you.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for joining me on this journey and for subscribing to this newsletter. Your support means the world to me.

This past year has been a time of significant change for me. I’ve shifted my professional focus and explored new ways to express my creativity and redirect my artistic side. This newsletter was born out of my desire to dive deeper into my passion for music and share it with you. I believe that this year has been key in shaping this project, and I’m so grateful for your support from the beginning.

To give this project the love and attention it deserves, I’ve decided to publish a monthly newsletter starting next year. This way, I can focus on creating even better content and sticking to a regular schedule. It’s been tough this year, and I think a monthly routine will help me stay on track and deliver my best work.

Thanks a bunch for sticking with me through thick and thin. I’m stoked to see where this wild ride takes us!

Back to the White Christmas Newsletter

Some songs capture more than just a melody—they hold the weight of history, the pull of nostalgia, and the power to bring people together. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby is one of those. Written by Irving Berlin and performed by Crosby, this timeless classic has not only become a holiday staple but also a touching reminder of longing, hope, and connection during some of the world’s darkest moments.

The Story Behind the Song

Irving Berlin, a Russian-Jewish immigrant to the US, wrote “White Christmas” in the early 1940s. He was known for his simple yet powerful songs, and this one was no exception. Berlin was going through a tough time, grieving the loss of his infant son on Christmas Day in 1928. “White Christmas” was a way for him to express his feelings - a yearning for a perfect holiday that he would never fully experience.

The song was originally written for the 1942 movie “Holiday Inn,” and it became a huge hit. Bing Crosby’s warm voice made it feel like he was singing just for you. When Crosby introduced “White Christmas” on his radio show on Christmas Day, 1941, just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, it touched the hearts of a nation that was just starting a war.

A Wartime Anthem of Comfort

As World War II raged on, “White Christmas” evolved from a holiday tune to a comfort song for soldiers overseas and their families back home. The song’s lyrics, about a peaceful holiday covered in snow, touched the hearts of people who were separated by war. It was played often on Armed Forces Radio and even made Crosby cry during live performances for troops. Its message of longing and hope became the soundtrack to many wartime Christmases.

The song became so closely associated with the time period that it even made an appearance in Crosby’s later movie White Christmas (1954), solidifying its place as a timeless masterpiece.

The Recording That Changed History

Bing Crosby’s original recording of “White Christmas” was made on May 29, 1942, with the John Scott Trotter Orchestra. It became the best-selling single of all time, a record it still holds today. What’s remarkable is that Crosby reportedly didn’t think much of the song during its recording. Yet, it became his signature piece, and its simplicity proved to be its strength.

Interestingly, the master copy of the 1942 recording wore out due to its popularity, prompting Crosby to re-record the song in 1947. This version is the one most commonly heard today.

Themes of Longing and Hope

At its heart, “White Christmas” is a dream—a longing for simpler, more peaceful times. Lines like, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know,” evoke a sense of nostalgia that transcends generations. The song doesn’t just celebrate the holiday; it captures the universal human desire for connection, warmth, and the comfort of home.

For Berlin, a Jewish immigrant who didn’t celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense, the song was a way of imagining an idealized holiday—one that wasn’t bound by religion or location but was instead a universal symbol of peace and joy.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Few songs have had the cultural impact of “White Christmas.” From topping charts in over 20 countries to becoming an everlasting favorite in holiday playlists, it has left an unforgettable mark on the world. The song’s simplicity continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring power of music to bring comfort during hard times.

My Personal Thoughts:

What I love about “White Christmas” is how it manages to be both personal and universal. It’s not just a song about snow or Christmas—it’s about longing for comfort, for home, for togetherness. It reminds me of how music can transport us, connecting us to memories and emotions that feel both distant and immediate.

There’s also something magical about how Irving Berlin, a man who didn’t celebrate Christmas himself, could write a song that has become the defining soundtrack of the holiday. Music has a way of transcending boundaries and touching our deepest emotions.

My Personal Christmas Playlist:

Other Holiday Songs I’d Recommend:

1. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono

This 1971 classic isn’t just a Christmas song—it’s a call for peace. Written during Lennon and Ono’s activism against the Vietnam War, it features the Harlem Community Choir, giving it a heartfelt and universal appeal. The song blends holiday warmth with a plea for reflection, making it as meaningful today as it was then.

2. Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney

McCartney’s 1979 holiday staple was recorded solo during his *McCartney II* sessions. Its catchy synth melody captures the joy of simple Christmas celebrations. While critics have debated its charm, its enduring popularity proves it’s a festive favorite. Fun fact: It earns McCartney millions in royalties every holiday season.

3. Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry’s 1958 rock ’n’ roll Christmas hit is pure energy, with a riff reminiscent of *Johnny B. Goode*. Written by Johnny Marks, it’s a playful twist on Rudolph’s tale, elevated by Berry’s signature guitar work. Over the years, artists like Keith Richards have kept its legacy alive with their own versions.