Burl Ives's song, A Holly Jolly Christmas, is a classic holiday song that has become a staple of the season. The lyrics are a happy and joyful call to embrace the holiday spirit and to share it with all those you see. The song's opening line says, "Have a holly, jolly Christmas, it's the best time of the year." This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which encourages people to be happy and merry during the festive season. The song then goes on to say that it doesn't matter if there isn't any snow, as long as there is the cheer of the season.

The second verse encourages people to be friendly and to say hello to friends and strangers alike. The line "Oh, ho the mistletoe hung where you can see, somebody waits for you, kiss her once for me" is particularly charming and romantic, and adds a touch of sweetness to the song. The final verse repeats the message of the first, calling for everyone to have a holly jolly Christmas, and adding the popular exclamation, "Oh by golly!"

A Holly Jolly Christmas has an upbeat tempo that makes it perfect for dancing or singing along. It was written by Johnny Marks, who also wrote other holiday classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. After the song was first recorded by Burl Ives in 1964, it quickly became a hit and has since been covered by many other artists. It is a beloved holiday tune that continues to be played every year and has become an essential part of the holiday season.