Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Not only do I enjoy a good (or bad) Christmas film, I also enjoy rocking to a few Christmas tunes. Before streaming was a thing, I would happily snap up the latest Christmas album to be released and my collection ranges from old crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, to Michael Buble, Cliff Richard and Hanson.
My first Christmas album, the one that started my collection was, The Doris Day Christmas Album. It was bought the morning after my first works Christmas party in 1990 and after the worst snowfall that we had seen in years. In fact, today is the anniversary of that very very day.
So, why not use that as excuse to talk about Christmas number one’s over the years.
The first ever singles chart in the UK was compiled in 1952, and the first ever Christmas number one was Al Martino’s Here in my Heart. That year Montovani and his Orchestra got to number seven with their version of White Christmas.
The following year saw the Beverley Sisters and Jimmy Boyd chart at number 7 and 8 with versions on I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. And, in 1954, David Whitfield almost hit the top spot with Santo Natale.
Now, a Christmas number one doesn’t necessarily need to be festive, but as we’re focussing on the festive season we are rooting for the Christmas tracks.
Thankfully, in 1955, Dickie Valentine hit the top spot with the Christmas Alphabet! He followed that up in ’56 with a number 8 hit called Christmas Island.
Harry Belafonte’s Mary’s Boy Child reached the coveted number one spot in 1957 but as far as Christmas related hits went, Russ Conways number 7 hit Snow Coach, which came along in 1959 was the nearest we got. And that was only down to the sleigh bells…but if East 17 can get away with it.
There were plenty of superstars of international music that were releasing Christmas albums and making television specials. We still listen to them today, with many stars of today releasing their own versions.
There is nothing like a classic Christmas song to get you into the festive spirit!
We would love to hear your Christmas memories, family traditions, favourite films and television shows, anything at all. Leave your messages or stories on our social media, or comment below, as we’d love to share them.
You can also send an email to goldstitch@agoldstitchchristmas.com.
And, don’t forget to check back tomorrow for day eight…
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