Eddie Pola co-wrote this enduring holiday standard with composer George Wyle in 1963. The song became a signature recording for Andy Williams and has since become a fixture of Christmas programming across radio, film, and live performance. Pola's gift for accessible, emotionally direct songwriting shaped popular music for decades.
Why we love this
Mac Huff's arrangement strips away the schmaltz while keeping every ounce of warmth the melody deserves. For SSA choirs, it's rare to find holiday repertoire this genuinely singable without compromising musicality; the voicing sits naturally and the harmonic support never overwhelms the tune.
What to expect
Nostalgic without being cloying, joyful without false sentimentality. The melody sits comfortably in the voice and the harmonies wrap around it like a well-worn embrace, evoking that specific December feeling of tradition and gathering.
Who it's for
SSA and SSAA choirs looking for a holiday standard that audiences recognize immediately and singers enjoy performing. This works equally well for concert choirs and secular community ensembles seeking accessible material with genuine harmonic depth.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the melody with subtle dynamic peaks rather than pushing the full voice throughout; this song thrives on restraint and lets the text do emotional work for you.
Balance the accompaniment to sit beneath the vocal lines, especially in the refrain where the harmony becomes more active.
Lock the rhythm section (piano and any string parts) to establish the groove early; the swing feel will ground the ensemble's phrasing.
Allow the chorus sections to breathe slightly; the drive comes from confidence, not rushing.
How to use it
Build your holiday concert around this as an anchor piece paired with contrasting styles, whether that's a cappella arrangements or uptempo novelty numbers. It also functions beautifully as a closer when you want to send the audience out with something warm and familiar.
Skills your students will build
Balancing melodic prominence with harmonic complexity
Phrasing standards through sensitive text interpretation
Blending three or four-part writing with consistent vowel alignment
Understanding swing rhythm and syncopation in popular song
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
