Making best of difficult little Christmas
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.