Reg Presley was the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the British new wave band The Troggs, best known for their 1966 hit "Wild Thing." Beyond his recording career, Presley wrote songs that found their way into film and television, including this enduring Christmas tune featured in the 2003 romantic comedy "Love Actually." His work demonstrates a gift for crafting memorable melodies that resonate across generations and genres.
Why we love this
Roger Emerson's arrangement captures the infectious warmth of the original while making it genuinely singable for mixed choirs. The 3-part voicing sits comfortably across ranges, the text setting feels natural rather than forced, and the tune's repetitive, hook-driven structure works in your favor: students lock onto it quickly, and audiences recognize it immediately. It's the rare holiday piece that doesn't feel saccharine or exhausting to rehearse.
What to expect
Cheerful and conversational, with an almost spoken-word quality that makes it feel intimate despite its celebratory nature. The melody lodges itself immediately in listeners' heads, creating that satisfying recognition when familiar music appears in a choral setting. It radiates sincerity without pretension.
Who it's for
Choirs looking for a contemporary Christmas selection that feels fresh without requiring advanced vocal technique. This works equally well for community choirs, school programs, and smaller ensemble concerts where accessibility and audience appeal matter.
How to get the most out of it
Let the rhythm breathe. This arrangement thrives on a conversational, almost spoken quality in the opening; resist the urge to over-conduct or rush the phrasing, especially in the first verse.
Balance the unison and divided sections carefully. When the parts split, blend each layer distinctly rather than letting voices blur together; this keeps the arrangement's texture transparent.
Lean into the humor and sincerity coexisting in this piece. The lyrics carry both playful warmth and genuine affection, so encourage singers to commit emotionally without winking at the audience.
Use dynamics to shape the arrangement's arc. A modest swell into key moments prevents the piece from feeling one-dimensional across its seven pages.
How to use it
Pair this with one or two contrasting holiday arrangements (perhaps something traditional or minor-key) to avoid tonal fatigue across a full Christmas concert. Its film origin and contemporary feel make it an ideal bridge piece between classical and pop-inflected holiday selections, or use it to open a program on a high-energy note. The seven-page length means it won't dominate your rehearsal schedule while delivering disproportionate audience enjoyment.
Skills your students will build
Singing in 3-part mixed voicing with balanced blend
Text clarity and natural phrasing in a rhythmically driven arrangement
Responding to dynamic and interpretive direction
Ensemble awareness within a contemporary song structure
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