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

Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe
Can 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 gonna 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 it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

They know that Santa's on his way
With toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna 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 it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

Overall Meaning

Peggy Lee's The Christmas Song is a classic holiday tune that beautifully captures the sentiments of the season. The opening verse paints a warm, comforting picture of a cozy fire, with the chestnuts roasting in it filling the air with a delightful aroma. The biting cold of winter only adds to the charm of the scene, as carolers outside keep the festive spirit alive with their merry singing. The sight of people all bundled up in their winter gear, with hats and scarfs and warm coats that make them resemble Eskimos, completes the wintry landscape.

The second verse shifts the focus to the excitement and anticipation that children feel on Christmas Eve. The mention of turkey and mistletoe provides a sense of traditional and familial warmth, while the "tiny tots" add a touch of precious innocence to the lyrics. These little ones are eagerly waiting for Santa Claus, who is busy making his rounds with his trusty reindeer by his side. Given this magical time of the year, they expect the impossible, like Santa Claus flying through the skies with his reindeer, and they wait up all night to catch a glimpse of him.

The final verse of the song humbly offers the warmest holiday greeting of all, as the singer wishes everyone, regardless of their age, a merry Christmas. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its relatable lyrics and heartwarming melody, making it impossible to imagine a Christmas season without it.

Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Picture warm, cozy, crackling fire with chestnuts evenly being roasted on it

Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Imagine the chilly air pinching your nose as if it's trying to steal your breath away

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
A group of people gathered around and singing out loud in harmony

And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People wearing warm and furry clothes to keep themselves protected from cold snowy winds

Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe Can help to make the season bright
It is a common belief that having a roasted turkey and some mistletoe decoration are among the solid ways to celebrate this joyful season

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow Will find it hard to sleep tonight
Kids' excitement can keep them from experiencing a restful slumber during Christmas eve

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 gonna spy To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Children await eagerly for Santa and his sleigh, loaded with gifts and candies. They ponder whether silly reindeers can really fly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase To kids from one to ninety-two Although it's been said many times, many ways Merry Christmas to you
Amidst all the celebration and merriment, this simple phrase of wishing a Merry Christmas applies to everyone, regardless of age or language

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN BARRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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