Just a few days after Thanksgiving and we are at the last day of the month. The song that goes through my head today is: "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."
As a boy I would walk with my grandma down State Street in downtown Chicago. There we would pass by the window displays of department stores. We would see the elves working hard in the window or a nutcracker dance on display.
Inside we would find Santa's village and a long line of kids waiting to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and get a picture taken.
My Grandma would tell me,
"Listen up Bambino. That's not the real Saint Nicolas. I grew up with him. I would know. No babino. Don't you waste your time here."
This year State Street has gone through a lot with demonstrations, looting, rioting and violence. For a time all the bridges around the river downtown were kept up to keep the cars out. The area is still under curfew. And Santa is nowhere to be found.
It makes sense that Santa would keep social distancing and not stay at a department store and spread viruses to little children.
Grandma Nona was right when she said that guy is not the real Saint Nicolaus. If he was then he would be spending this Christmas spreading good cheer. He would be helping the needy in secret and bringing joy to those who need it most.
I believe jolly old Saint Nick is doing this even today. You can keep him out of the department stores and the Christmas parades but you can't keep him out of the hearts of those who need him most.
Let's go to Bing Crosby's channel to ring out the Season:
We give credit to Robert Reiniger Meredith Willson for writing this song in 1951 and so many other swinging tunes.
Robert Reiniger Meredith Willson
[Verse 1]
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look in the Five & Ten
Glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow
[Verse 2]
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the purdy-est sight to see
Is the holly that will be on your own front door
[Refrain]
A pair of Hop-a-long boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben
Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again
[Verse 3]
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Now there's a tree in the Grand Hotel
One in the park as well
The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow
[Verse 4]
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that will make them ring
Is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart
[Refrain]
A pair of Hop-a-long boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben
Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen
And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again
[Verse 5]
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that will make them ring
Is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart
This very commercialized holiday song is suitable for Cyber Monday. I can hear my grandma singing in the background.
Let's dance my sweet bel babino.