Surprisingly, this song was not released as the promotional single for the album. Columbia Records decided to release Williams' cover of Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," instead. It topped the special Billboard Christmas Singles chart and was the #1 selling Christmas single.
Williams recorded this song as a duet with Contemporary Christian music singer Kathy Troccoli in 1999.
Over the years, this song has become an enduring holiday standard with covers by several artists for their Christmas albums, including Johnny Mathis, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, Paul Anka, and Chicago, to name a few. Harry Connick Jr.'s version for his What a Night! A Christmas Album, peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart.
This song is featured Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) as an ironic aside when Kevin McCallister's family starts their Florida vacation in a downpour outside of a seedy motel.
The song entered the Hot 100 Top 10 for the first time when it landed at #10 on the chart dated December 29, 2018. It was Williams' first Top 10 hit since 1971's "(Where Do I Begin) Love Story." The 47 years, eight months and three days between his two visits to the upper reaches of the tally broke the record for the longest time span between US Top 10 appearances.
Andy Williams' record was broken just one week later when Burl Ives' "Holly Jolly Christmas" moved into the top ten for the first time. It was his top 10 entry since "Funny Way Of Laughin'" peaked at #10 in 1962, 56 and a half years previously.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Andy Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It's the most wonderful time of the year
It's the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories
Of Christmases long, long ago
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There'll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories
Of Christmases long, long ago
It's the most wonderful time of the year
There'll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near
It's the most wonderful time
Yes, the most wonderful time
Oh, the most wonderful time
Of the year
The lyrics of Andy Williams's song It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year convey the joy and happiness associated with the Christmas season. The song talks about the various activities that take place during this time, from the kids jingle belling to friends coming over for holiday greetings and gay meetings. The chorus of the song emphasizes that this is indeed the most wonderful time of the year, and that hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near.
The lyrics also highlight some of the specific activities that people look forward to during the holiday season, such as the parties for hosting, the marshmallows for toasting, and the caroling out in the snow. Additionally, the song acknowledges the tradition of telling scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long ago, which adds to the excitement and nostalgia of the season.
Overall, the song captures the essence of the Christmas season and the emotions associated with it.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the most wonderful time of the year
This is a special time of the year that everyone loves and looks forward to.
With the kids jingle belling
Children are excitedly ringing bells, creating a merry and cheerful atmosphere.
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
People are encouraging each other to be happy and in good spirits, adding to the festive mood.
It's the hap-happiest season of all
The emotions of joy and happiness are at their peak during this holiday season.
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
People are warmly greeting each other with holiday wishes and enjoying happy, sociable gatherings.
When friends come to call
Friends make special efforts to visit each other during the holidays, enhancing the festive feeling.
There'll be parties for hosting
There will be a lot of social events and parties to attend and enjoy.
Marshmallows for toasting
People enjoy the simple pleasure of roasting marshmallows over an open fire, adding to the cozy ambiance.
And caroling out in the snow
Groups of people sing traditional carols together outside, even in cold weather, contributing to the holiday spirit.
There'll be scary ghost stories
People share spooky tales, often associated with Christmas, adding some unique and fun excitement to the festivities.
And tales of the glories
People also share stories of past Christmases, reminiscing about the positive memories and experiences associated with the holiday season.
Of Christmases long, long ago
People remember and share stories about Christmases from years gone by, adding to the sense of nostalgia and tradition.
There'll be much mistletoeing
People will enjoy the fun and romance of kissing under the mistletoe, adding a touch of romance to the festivities.
And hearts will be glowing
People's hearts will be filled with love and excitement, making the season even more special.
When loved ones are near
Having loved ones nearby during the holidays is one of the most special and cherished aspects of the season.
Yes, the most wonderful time
The holiday season is truly the most amazing time of the year.
Oh, the most wonderful time
The artist is emphasizing how truly wonderful and special the holiday season is.
Of the year
The holiday season is the most special and amazing time of the entire year, and everyone should savor and enjoy it to the fullest.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eddie Pola, George Wyle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@willramz7808
Listening in March 2024
@pabloa98
It is the most wonderful time 🎶
@jamjr5132
April 2024
@pereiraekociassociados7128
April 2024
@ajitpauldodray1677
😂 listening in April 2024
@heythatsjames14
April
@unbeatenlake790
Midnight. November 1st. It’s Christmas time again.
@bmendez3782
Well thanksgiving first then Christmas but still the holidays though.
@jcfreak4ever1
I don't care what date it is; Nov 1st and after is Christmas season for me! 🤩
@goji3190
I KRIMAAAAAAA