Have a holly jolly Christmas
It’s the best time of the year
I don’t know if there’ll be snow
But have a cup of cheer 

Have a holly jolly Christmas
And when you walk down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet 

Ho, ho, the mistletoe
Hung where you can see
Somebody waits for you
Kiss her once for me 

Have a holly jolly Christmas
And in case you didn’t hear
Oh, by golly
Have a holly jolly Christmas
This year 

Have a Holly Jolly History: The Story of a Beloved Christmas Classic

From the moment its instantly recognizable melody begins, “A Holly Jolly Christmas” is synonymous with the joyful, bustling spirit of the holiday season. It’s a song that effortlessly conjures images of twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and the sheer, unadulterated cheer of Christmas. But behind its seemingly simple, optimistic lyrics lies a fascinating journey from a bespoke TV special to an enduring global sensation. Let’s unwrap the history of this truly holly jolly classic.

The Architect of Cheer: Johnny Marks

To understand “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” we must first meet its ingenious creator: Johnny Marks. If that name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, his other compositions certainly will. Marks is nothing short of a Christmas carol titan, responsible for some of the most beloved and ubiquitous holiday songs in the American canon. He penned:

• “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1949)
• “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (1958)
• “Run Rudolph Run” (1958)
• “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” (1956)

Marks had a remarkable knack for crafting catchy, heartwarming, and timeless Christmas tunes, and “A Holly Jolly Christmas” (originally titled “A Holly Jolly Christmas Is Here”) is a shining example of his unparalleled talent.

Born for the Screen: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

“A Holly Jolly Christmas” wasn’t initially conceived as a standalone hit single. Instead, it was specifically commissioned for one of the most iconic and enduring Christmas television specials of all time: Rankin/Bass’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

The stop-motion animated special, which first aired on December 6, 1964, was a groundbreaking production for its time. Johnny Marks, having written the original “Rudolph” song, was a natural choice to compose the soundtrack for the special. He delivered a score full of memorable tunes, including “Jingle, Jingle, Jingle,” “We Are Santa’s Elves,” and, of course, “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

In the special, “A Holly Jolly Christmas” is performed by the benevolent Bumble, a reformed abominable snowman, as well as the lovable Hermey the Elf, who dreams of being a dentist. It perfectly encapsulated the joyful, community spirit that Rudolph eventually brings to the North Pole.

The Voice: Burl Ives Makes it Iconic

While the song was part of the Rudolph special, its true launchpad into widespread popularity came through the distinctive voice of Burl Ives. Ives, a celebrated American folk singer, actor, and author, also narrated the Rudolph special as the charming snowman, Sam the Snowman.

It was Ives who provided the definitive recording of “A Holly Jolly Christmas” for the special’s soundtrack. His warm, folksy baritone, imbued with a gentle twinkle, was perfectly suited to the song’s optimistic message. Ives’s performance is incredibly warm, inviting, and utterly timeless. He recorded the song twice:

• 1964 (Soundtrack Version): This is the version heard in the Rudolph special.
• 1965 (Single Version): Ives re-recorded the song with a slightly different arrangement and tempo for release as a standalone single. This is the version most commonly played on radio today, often featuring a more prominent banjo.

Ives’s rendition became an instant classic, helping the song to quickly escape the confines of the TV special and become a perennial radio favorite. His voice is so intertwined with the carol that for many, he is the sound of “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

Lyrical Simplicity, Universal Message

The lyrics of “A Holly Jolly Christmas” are straightforward, focusing on the simple joys and traditions of the holiday season:

• Greeting friends and loved ones
• Calling on neighbors
• Kissing under the mistletoe
• The general merriment and goodwill

There’s no complex narrative or deep theological message. Instead, it’s a pure, distilled expression of Christmas cheer and communal festivity. This simplicity is a significant part of its enduring appeal. It’s easy to sing along to, easy to remember, and universally understood as a celebration of happiness.

The Long Reign: Chart Performance and Enduring Popularity

Initially released as a single, Burl Ives’s “A Holly Jolly Christmas” slowly but surely cemented its place in the Christmas pantheon. While it didn’t immediately shoot to the top of the charts in the 1960s (Christmas music had a different chart dynamic then), its consistent airplay year after year built an undeniable legacy.

In the streaming era, its popularity has surged even further. It regularly appears on Billboard’s Holiday 100 chart and consistently ranks among the most streamed Christmas songs each season. This resurgence speaks to its timeless quality and its ability to connect with new generations. The song’s cheerful, upbeat tempo and unbridled optimism make it a perfect fit for holiday playlists and retail soundtracks.

“A Holly Jolly Christmas” in Modern Media

Beyond radio airplay, “A Holly Jolly Christmas” has been extensively used in various forms of media, further solidifying its cultural omnipresence:

• Film: It’s a go-to choice for filmmakers looking to instantly evoke a classic, joyful Christmas atmosphere. It has appeared in numerous holiday movies, both classic and contemporary.
• Television: Beyond the Rudolph special, it’s a staple in holiday episodes of TV shows, commercials, and other festive programming. Its familiar sound signals the season has arrived.
• Advertising: Its cheerful and inviting nature makes it perfect for advertisements during the holiday shopping season, encouraging a sense of warmth and generosity.
• Theme Parks: Many theme parks and attractions playing Christmas music will include “A Holly Jolly Christmas” in their festive playlists, adding to the joyful ambiance.
• Cover Versions: The song has been covered by a vast array of artists across different genres, showcasing its adaptability and universal appeal. Everyone from pop stars to country artists, jazz musicians, and children’s choirs has put their spin on it. Some notable covers include:
  • Lady A (formerly Lady Antebellum): Their country-pop rendition is a popular modern take.
  • Michael Bublé: The contemporary king of Christmas often includes it in his holiday repertoire, delivering a smooth, big-band inspired version.
  • Brett Eldredge: His soulful and classic crooner style provides another popular contemporary country rendition.
  • The Jackson 5: Even Motown royalty took on the tune, proving its broad appeal.
  • Alan Jackson: A traditional country version, true to his signature style.

The Magic of a Simple Sentiment

The magic of “A Holly Jolly Christmas” lies in its simplicity and its unwavering positivity. It doesn’t attempt to tackle grand themes or complex emotions. Instead, it focuses on the pure, unadulterated joy and community spirit of the Christmas season. It’s a song that makes you want to smile, to connect with loved ones, and to fully embrace the festive atmosphere.

Johnny Marks, with Burl Ives as his perfect interpreter, created more than just a song; they crafted a sonic embodiment of Christmas happiness. Every year, as the lights twinkle and the snow falls, the familiar strains of “A Holly Jolly Christmas” float through the air, reminding us all to have a truly wonderful, festive, and yes, holly jolly time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest message of cheer is the most powerful.