About the song
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” stands as a timeless Christmas classic, penned in 1963 by Edward Pola and George Wyle. Initially recorded by pop singer Andy Williams for his inaugural Christmas album, “The Andy Williams Christmas Album,” the song has since become synonymous with the holiday season, despite not being promoted as a single upon its release by Columbia Records that year. Instead, the label opted to promote Williams’ rendition of “White Christmas” as the album’s lead single.
**History**
The song encapsulates the essence of Christmas festivities, celebrating the joyous activities and traditions that define the season. It paints a vivid picture of gatherings among friends and families, highlighted by parties, spontaneous visits, and universal merriment. One notable reference within the song is the mention of telling “scary ghost stories,” a nod to Victorian-era Christmas customs that have waned over time but resonate through adaptations of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Additionally, the song evokes images of children sledding, roasting marshmallows, and singing carols amid wintry scenes.
**Andy Williams (1963)**
In a 2005 interview, Andy Williams reflected on the song’s origins, attributing its creation to George Wyle, the vocal director of “The Andy Williams Show.” Initially written for a Christmas episode of the show, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” quickly gained popularity, eventually becoming a holiday standard. Williams noted its enduring appeal over the decades, underscoring its status as one of the top 10 Christmas songs of all time.
Despite Williams recording multiple versions of the song throughout his career, including subsequent renditions, the original 1963 recording remains the definitive and most beloved rendition.
**Legacy**
Beyond its initial acclaim, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” has consistently charted on pop singles charts worldwide, a testament to its enduring popularity. In recent years, it reached No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2020 and No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart in 2021, reaffirming its status as a holiday favorite cherished by listeners across generations.
Moreover, the song has been selected multiple times as the theme song for Christmas Seals campaigns, further solidifying its cultural significance and enduring appeal during the festive season.
In summary, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” remains a cherished anthem of Christmas joy, celebrated for its evocative lyrics and Andy Williams’ iconic rendition. Its timeless message of festive cheer continues to resonate, making it an essential part of holiday playlists worldwide year after year.
Video
Lyrics
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
It’s the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It’s the hap-happiest season of all
There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There’ll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of
Christmases long, long ago
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
There’ll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There’ll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of
Christmases long, long ago
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
There’ll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near
It’s the most wonderful time
Yes the most wonderful time
Oh the most wonderful time
Of the year