A Merry Christmas by Jeff Tribe

                                                 www.bookswelove.com/authors

I caught Nat King Cole’s version of The Christmas Song on the radio this morning, the one also known as Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire due to its opening line.

Written in 1945 by Robert Wells and Mel Torme, it doesn’t have the bouncy jingle of Maria Carey’s All I Want For Christmas or the strong underbeat of Wham’s Last Christmas.

Less production, more background orchestra, Cole’s warmly-distinctive voice bringing simple yet impactful lyrics to life in a calming, almost hypnotic ballad. 

Full disclosure, our cousins’ property had a massive horse chestnut on its southwest lawn. We climbed its branches, played for hours in the tree fort our uncle built and threw its nuts at one another. 

Pretty hard and unappetizing when one hit you, if memory serves.

Both our families heated our homes with wood, we enjoyed frequent birthday cookouts and their house even had an old-school fireplace. But not once do I recall any of us trying a chestnut, roasted over an open fire or otherwise.

I think I’ve seen them for sale by street vendors in Toronto. Does one eat them with salt? Maple glaze? Maybe a little popcorn flavouring? 

Of course, like any good song, Cole’s classic isn’t necessarily a literal representation, moreso a musical device to evoke emotion. For me, it’s a pensive, slightly mournful homage to simpler times.

At least one dated reference warns against idealizing every aspect of the so-called good old days. But as Christmas approaches, it seems some parts of 2025 will be happily viewed in a rear-view mirror.

Do we have more political turmoil than we used to? More active global conflict? A more polarized, angrier and less tolerant society? Or does constant information overload from clickbait-seeking media, 24/7 real-time Internet access, and traffic-driving algorithms on social media just make it seem that way?

I suspect the answer is yes. In other words, beyond the fact there’s a lot going on, we are constantly being bombarded with negativity those of us addicted to our phones find it hard to hide from.

Hopefully, each of us is able to make time for quiet reflection this holiday season, put aside the cares of a complicated world, thoughts of a challenging new year - including credit card bills and well-intentioned resolutions involving eating healthier and exercising. 

Enjoy the season, be that with family and friends, at a Christmas eve service or listening to a favourite song. Those without an open fire to roast chestnuts over might wish to consider curling up in a comfortable spot with a good book.

And though it’s been said many ways and many times, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you.