Christmas, I now realize, is a time of traditions and it is those traditions that make it important. Without Christmases past, the present one has little meaning. It is all of those stored up memories that make Christmas so wonderful.
-Virginian Pilot, 12/25/1994

Along with the Christmas season came the sounds of the holiday. Mom and Dad would “crank up” the record player with David Seville and the Chipmunks, or Andy, or Elvis, or Glen Campbell belting out Christmas ditties. But what I remember most were the Texaco albums. Each year, a new edition was released - a sampler of holiday songs performed by various artists.

Following is but a sampling of artists who appeared on the Texaco Firestone and Goodyear Christmas Albums. Just the names alone should evoke memories of Christmases past and, hopefully, a smile at the recollection(s):

Bing Crosby
Andy Williams
Ray Charles
Julie Andrews
Frank Sinatra
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Dean Martin
Perry Como
Nat King Cole
Johnny Mathis
Brenda Lee
Burl Ives
Elvis Presley
Tony Bennett
Doris Day
Eartha Kitt
Gene Autry
Tabernacle Choir

I wish I had copies of these albums still. I think my little brother has vinyls stashed somewhere. I’ve got a good assortment of songs in my iTunes collection already, but should put the ‘ol vinyls on my wishlist.

Well anyway, here I offer up a clip from 1958 - Perry Como’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E5WqegfuyE[/youtube]

… and …

Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra - “Marshmallow World”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV6OI6IBemA[/youtube]

What songs do you associate with your favorite Christmas memories?

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What is it about that magical little man with the snowy white beard, round jolly face, and rosy nose and cheeks that appeals to both children and grownups alike?

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My maternal grandparents lived in a tiny town on top of a mountain in West Virginia and, occasionally, we would travel to spend the holidays with them.

Back in the early 1960s, the Interstate system wasn’t what it is today. Instead, to get to the top of the mountain required navigating through twisty, curvy roads that dipped and spiraled up the mountainside. Not a fun ride in the best of conditions. But to travel them in the winter was even worse!

One winter, my family got stuck on the side of the mountain in a snowstorm, and ended up spending the night trapped in the car. The six of us huddled together to stay warm and, the following morning, my dad was able to get help and dig us out. I guess it’s fortunate I don’t have very many memories about that night. Otherwise, I’d probably be horribly phobic.

Years later, my family has scattered even more. Occasionally, we still travel to and from each other’s during the holidays, but most of the time it’s by airplane.

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Karen Carpenter.

Need I say anything more? A voice so clear and fluid - a voice that rivaled the angels. Here’s an old video offering; a classic - Merry Christmas Darling.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHPkqMJq0ZY[/youtube]

Click here for a full listing of the 25 Days of Christmas Challenge.