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Making best of difficult little Christmas

| December 23, 2020 1:00 AM

We're on the threshold of Christmas Eve, and in countless cases, The Big Day is going to fall short of Christmases past.

You know: Picture Chevy Chase crashing the plugs together in his front yard, only to see his massive exterior illumination effort stay dark.

It's not easy to put a bright light on this holiday season, all but ripped asunder by the pandemic. Many of you have chosen to hunker down at home, perhaps arranging video chats with loved ones after writing heartfelt Christmas cards the old-fashioned way. Having yourself a merry little Christmas is probably the best most of us can do this year.

Speaking of old-fashioned, here are the original lyrics to one of the sweetest but semi-melancholy Christmas carols of all time. The song was written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane specifically for Judy Garland to sing in the movie "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944).

However, there were disagreements, including one from Ms. Garland, and the original version was rewritten.

Which one do you prefer?

THE ORIGINAL

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

It may be your last.

Next year we may all be living in the past.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Pop that champagne cork.

Next year we may all be living in New York.

No good times like the olden days.

Happy golden days of yore.

Faithful friends who were dear to us.

Will be near to us no more.

But at least we all will be together.

If the Lord allows.

From now on, we'll have to muddle through somehow.

So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

THE MODERN VERSION

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Let your heart be light

From now on

Our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Make the Yule-tide gay

From now on

Our troubles will be miles away

Here we are as in olden days

Happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who are dear to us

Gather near to us once more

Through the years we all will be together

If the fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

Here we are as in olden days

Happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who are dear to us

Gather near to us once more

Through the years

We all will be together

If the fates allow

So hang a shining star upon the highest bough

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.