Song Spotlight: “White Christmas”

• Mood: Hopeful 
• Themes: Snow, Holidays
• Tempo: Relaxed, Slow
• Genre/Style: Holiday Popular Tune

Written by Irving Berlin, the song “White Christmas” was first recorded in 1942. The song includes a wistful reminiscence about a traditional, snowy, holiday setting.

Most famously, Bing Crosby sang this song in the film, “White Christmas,” which premiered in 1954. In the movie, Crosby is seen singing to troops on Christmas Eve, a call back to Crosby’s frequent performances for the troops who served in World War II. “White Christmas” was one of Crosby’s best selling records, with a first run of 2,000,000 copies. Every few years, the song was re-released – so often that the first print of the record became worn out from being copied too many times.

Crosby re-recorded the original, with the same musicians and back up singers as the first recording in 1947. Though nearly identical, the version best known is the re-recorded version of “White Christmas.” Today it has sold over 100,000,000 copies around the world. 

Here are some of the lyrics:

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,

Just like the ones I used to know

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

This is a great song to use within a group and would go well with a collection of songs about Snow or with other Holiday tunes . It can be used as a transition into reminiscence, an opportunity for musical engagement, movement and more! 

Try This:

Theme: This song would fit well into a Snow or Holiday theme. Other complementary songs may include “Let it Snow,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Winter Wonderland.”

Encourage the group to reminisce by sharing their favorite thing about the winter season and weather. 

Discuss: Talk about ways to have fun during the winter weather. Discuss which environmental elements make the holidays feel festive. Ask, what holiday traditions did you have as a child?

Musical Engagement: Sing along with this well known tune. 

Movement: You can do expressive movements to this song, such as slow side to side swaying or arm movements. Try adding white scarves to add flair.

Watch the movie “White Christmas” or the clip featuring the song.

Are you wishing for a white Christmas? What other Bing Crosby songs do you like?