The Christmas Song

Lyrics

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way;
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.
And every mother's child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although its been said many times, many ways,
A very Merry Christmas to you!

About This Carol

The Christmas Song may have a simple title, but its warm, evocative lyrics have made it one of the most iconic pieces of Christmas music ever written. The song was penned in 1945 by vocalist Mel Tormé and lyricist Bob Wells during a sweltering summer in California. According to Tormé, the two were trying to "stay cool by thinking cool"—and what began as a whimsical exercise turned into one of the most beloved holiday standards of all time.

The song was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, and his velvety voice helped cement its legacy. Cole actually recorded it multiple times, perfecting the orchestration and delivery. His 1961 version is the one most commonly heard today and has become almost synonymous with cozy Christmas evenings by the fire.

From its opening line about “chestnuts roasting” to the tender mention of “tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,” The Christmas Song captures a nostalgic, idealized vision of the holidays that continues to resonate across generations. It’s one of the rare Christmas tunes that blends elegance with emotional warmth.

Whether playing in the background of a holiday dinner or softly filling the room on Christmas morning, The Christmas Song remains a timeless reminder of what makes the season feel so special.

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