The Christmas Song
Doris Day Lyrics


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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

The lyrics of Doris Day's "Christmas Song," also known as "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire," are a heartwarming depiction of the traditional holiday season. The opening line immediately sets the scene of a cozy, winter evening with the image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, accompanied by the playful nip of Jack Frost on one's nose. The next line mentions Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, evoking visions of church and community gatherings during the holiday season. The third line brings to mind families and friends bundled up in warm clothing, donning sweaters and hats with the occasional individual dressed up in a playful, perhaps even a bit cheesy, Eskimo costume. The imagery of these lyrics further emphasizes the importance of togetherness, love, and warmth during a time of year commonly associated with joy and hope.


The second verse of the song emphasizes the excitement and anticipation felt by children during the holiday season. The mention of turkey and mistletoe as well as the use of the phrase "season bright," emphasizes the focus on happiness, warmth, and the appeal to the senses during the holidays. The mention of "tiny tots" with their eyes all aglow further emphasizes the magic and wonder of Christmas. The playful reference to spying on the reindeer, in order to see if they "really know how to fly," adds a touch of humor, perhaps gently poking fun at the naΓ―vete of children's beliefs. Ultimately, the song ends on a simple yet powerful note, wishing all individuals a Merry Christmas, from young to old. This sentiment powerfully encompasses the joy, hope, and love that characterize the holiday season.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The fire is lit and the chestnuts are being cooked till they are roasted to perfection, to celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas.


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The winter is at its peak and Jack Frost, the personification of the cold biting wind, is at its worst.


Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
People are singing Christmas carols in celebration of the festive season.


And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People are wearing warm clothes to protect themselves from the harsh winter weather that reminds of the traditional outfits worn by Eskimos.


Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe
Most people expect to have a Christmas meal with roast turkey and some mistletoe as part of the decorations at their homes.


Can help to make the season bright
These things add cheer to the festive season and help to make it more enjoyable.


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
The children are excited and filled with hope and joy for receiving presents from Santa Claus.


Will find it hard to sleep tonight
Children are too excited at the prospect of receiving presents from Santa and so, find it difficult to sleep.


They know that Santa's on his way
Kids are aware that Santa Claus is on his way to give them gifts on Christmas.


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has collected lots of toys and candies to give away to all the children.


And every mother's child is gonna spy
All children will be eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and see if reindeer can really fly.


To see if reindeer really know how to fly
Children are curious whether reindeers have the magical ability to fly and pull Santa's sleigh.


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer is offering a simple message of goodwill to everyone.


To kids from one to ninety two
This message of goodwill is intended for people of all ages, from the very young to the very old.


Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message of goodwill has been said many times, in many different ways.


Merry Christmas to you
The singer wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Laura C

Thank you so much for your Christmas album Doris. I absolutely love it
Your beautiful voice is so calming
It is not Christmas without you.

Mel B C

One of my favorite singers!!!

douglas hales

Our grandparent had this amazing singer in their lives. how lucky

DeAnna Choi

Doris Day is the Queeeennn!!!! <3

Shara'Elia

Grazie, bellissima! πŸ’–

Zlatko Pavlov

fantastic😍😍😍😍🀩

Pepper Williams

I love DD❀❀❀

Gregory Swift

I πŸ’› Doris DayπŸ˜‡πŸŽ„πŸŽ

Kathrin Seifert

So schΓΆn

Thomas Bussmann

Es ist das schΓΆnste, von der grΓΆssten Entertainerin die das US Showbuiness hervorgebracht hat, ΓΌbrigens bin ich so einer der 365 Tage im Jahr Weihnachtslieder hΓΆrt.

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