White Christmas

Carol Lyrics

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

 
Written by Irving Berlin, 1942

History Of This Carol

White Christmas transcends most Christmas music. It's a bittersweet, snow-dusted dream that has come to define the modern Christmas season for millions. Written by Irving Berlin in 1942, the song was first introduced by Bing Crosby in the film Holiday Inn, and quickly became one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Berlin, a Jewish immigrant who wrote hundreds of American standards, claimed White Christmas was the best song he ever wrote - possibly because it struck a perfect balance between simplicity and deep emotional longing. At its core, the song isn't merely about snow; it's about memory, nostalgia, and the yearning for the comforts of home during a time of uncertainty and change.

That emotional pull was especially strong during World War II, when soldiers overseas and families back home clung to the song's sentiment. Crosby's 1942 recording became an anthem of comfort for many, particularly those separated from loved ones during the holidays.

With its gentle melody and wistful lyrics - "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know" - the song continues to resonate across generations. It has been covered by countless artists, but Bing Crosby's version remains the gold standard, bringing that quiet, snowy wish to life year after year.

Performance from the White Christmas Movie

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