"the snowman brings the snow"

PADDINGTON & SNOWMAN
~ ACCUSTOMED, CEREMONIOUS ~

Way back in 1989, Gerry and I were Christmas shopping in Dublin, and the magical strains of "Walking In the Air" (from The Snowman) floated out onto the sidewalk as we were passing the open door of a music store. Gerry had been playing The Snowman score on the piano for the past few Christmases, but we didn't have the album. The tune sounded so beautiful on that wintry holiday afternoon, we just had to have it! Impulse buy! We turned into the store and asked about getting a copy of the CD that was playing on the outdoor speaker. The clerk informed us that it was not a Snowman soundtrack (currently out of stock); it was this anthology:

We purchased a copy that day, and every song on it has remained among our favorites for 35 years! We always start the season with It's Christmas!

This CD serves as the background music for all the treasured memories of my first British / Irish Christmas, when the following three songs came into my life. They are such boisterous tunes -- lighthearted, joyful and unforgettable -- unforgettable except that I am always getting them confused with one another, so here and now I am setting out the lyrics and vowing to keep them straight this Christmas and the next, and every other Christmas yet to come.

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
Song by Wizzard

When the snowman brings the snow
Well he just might like to know
He's put a great big smile on somebody's face
If you jump into your bed
Quickly cover up your head
Don't you lock the doors
You know that sweet Santa Claus is on the way

Well I wish it could be Christmas everyday
When the kids start singing and the band begins to play
Oh I wish it could be Christmas everyday
Let the bells ring out for Christmas

When we're skating in the park
If the storm cloud paints it dark
Then your rosy cheeks gonna light my merry way
Now the frosticles appear
And they've frozen up my beard
So we'll lie by the fire till the sleep simply melts them all away

Well I wish it could be Christmas everyday
When the kids start singing and the band begins to play
Oh I wish it could be Christmas everyday
So let the bells ring out for Christmas

When the snowman brings the snow
Well he just might like to know
He's put a great big smile on somebody's face
So if Santa brings that sleigh
All along the milky way
I'll sign my name on the rooftop in the snow
Then he may decide to stay

Well I wish it could be Christmas everyday
When the kids start singing and the band begins to play
Oh I wish it could be Christmas everyday
So let the bells ring out for Christmas

OK you lot take it

[Chorus, sung by children:]
Well I wish it could be Christmas everyday
When the kids start singing and the band begins to play
Oh I wish it could be Christmas everyday
Let the bells ring out for Christmas

Why don't you give your love for Christmas?

Written by Roy Wood

Merry Xmas Everybody
Song by Slade

Are you hanging up your stocking on your wall?
It's the time that every Santa has a ball
Does he ride a red-nosed reindeer
Does a ton-up on his sleigh?
Do the fairies keep him sober for a day?

So, here it is Merry Christmas,
everybody's having fun
Look to the future now,
it's only just begun

Are you waiting for the family to arrive?
Are you sure you've got the room to spare inside?
Does your granny always tell ya (ah-ah-ah)
That the old songs are the best (ah-ah-ah)
When she's up and rock 'n' rolling with the rest?

So, here it is Merry Christmas,
everybody's having fun
Look to the future now,
it's only just begun
What will your daddy do
when he sees your mama kissing Santa Claus
Ah-ahh

Are you hanging up your stocking on your wall?
Are you hoping that the snow will start to fall?
Do you ride on down the hillside (ah-ah)
In a buggy you have made? (Ah-ah)
When you land upon your head
then you've been slayed . . .

So, here it is Merry Christmas,
everybody's having fun (It's Christmas!)
Look to the future now,
it's only just begun

written by Neville Holder & James Lea

Merry Christmas Everyone
Song by Shakin’ Stevens

Snow is falling all around me
Children playing, having fun
It's the season, love and understanding
Merry Christmas everyone

Time for parties and celebration
People dancing all night long
Time for presents and exchanging kisses
Time for singing Christmas songs

We're gonna have a party tonight
I'm gonna find that girl
Underneath the mistletoe
We'll kiss by candlelight

Room is swaying, records playing
All the old songs we love to hear
All I wish that every day was Christmas
What a nice way to spend the year
Woo, yeah!
We're gonna have a party tonight
I'm gonna find that girl
Underneath the mistletoe
We'll kiss by candlelight
See upcoming pop shows
Get tickets for your favorite artists . . .

Snow is falling, all around me
Children playing, having fun
It's the season, love and understanding
Merry Christmas everyone
Merry Christmas everyone
Merry Christmas everyone

Written by Bob Heatlie

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Saturday, December 28th
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