The Christmas Song
Joyce Cooling Lyrics


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

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
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!

Overall Meaning

The Christmas Song by Joyce Cooling paints a vivid picture of a classic winter holiday scene in America. The opening line, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire," sets the tone for a cozy evening, perhaps in front of a roaring fire in the fireplace. The mention of Jack Frost nipping at one's nose adds to the imagery of the cold winter evening. The sound of Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir adds to the festive atmosphere, while the people dressed up like Eskimos brings forth images of warm and cozy winter attire.


The song then bridges into a more traditional holiday celebration with the inclusion of turkey and mistletoe, both symbols of the Christmas season in America. The mention of "tiny tots with their eyes all aglow" speaks to the excitement that children feel during this time of year. The anticipation of Santa's arrival, with his sleigh loaded with toys and goodies for all, is palpable. The idea of every mother's child spying to see if reindeer really know how to fly is a playful nod to the magic and wonder of childhood during the holiday season.


Line by Line Meaning

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The warmth of the fire and the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.


Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter winds are blowing and the frosty air is causing your nose to feel cool and tingly.


Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The joyful sound of traditional holiday songs fills the air as a choir sings in harmony, spreading the spirit of the season.


And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People are bundled up in warm winter clothing, just like Eskimos, to protect themselves from the chilly weather.


Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Traditional holiday symbols such as turkey and mistletoe are well-known and are an integral part of the festive season.


Help to make the season bright
These symbols and traditions add to the warmth and brightness of the holiday season.


Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Excited children with bright and shining eyes are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus.


Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Due to the excitement and anticipation of the holiday, children are unable to sleep and eagerly await the arrival of Christmas morning.


They know that Santa's on his way
Children are aware that Santa Claus is making his way to their homes to deliver presents and spread joy.


He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa has a sleigh filled with a great many presents and treats for all the children who have been good throughout the year.


And every mother's child is gonna spy
All the children are waiting eagerly to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and his reindeer as they fly across the sky.


To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children are filled with wonder and excitement as they imagine Santa's team of reindeer flying through the air on their magical journey.


And so I'm offering this simple phrase
As a gift, the singer is offering the simple words of 'Merry Christmas' to convey the joy and warmth of the season.


To kids from one to ninety-two
This greeting is offered to everyone, regardless of age, who celebrates the holiday season and its traditions.


Although it's been said many times, many ways
Despite the fact that the sentiment has been expressed frequently and in many different forms, it is still deeply felt and relevant to the holiday season.


Merry Christmas to you!
The artist wishes everyone a happy holiday season and expresses hope for peace and joy in the coming year.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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