Christmas Alphabet

The McGuire Sisters

About Christmas Alphabet

"Christmas Alphabet" is a Christmas song written by Buddy Kaye and Jules Loman, first released in 1954 by The McGuire Sisters. In 1955 a cover version recorded by Dickie Valentine and produced by Dick Rowe became a Christmas number one hit in the UK Singles Chart. It first entered the UK chart on 25 November 1955, where it spent seven weeks, three of which were at No. 1. It is notable for being the first UK Christmas chart topper that is actually about Christmas, a trend that would continue on and off over the next several decades.  


Year:
1956
2:10
120 
#1

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C H R I S T M A S

C is for the Candy trimmed around the Christmas tree
H is for the Happiness with all the family
R is for the Reindeer prancing by the window pane
I is for the Icing on the cake as sweet as sugar cane
S is for the Stocking on the chimney wall
T is the Toys beneath the tree so tall
M is for the Mistletoe where ev'ry one is kissed
A is for the Angels who make up the Christmas list
S is for old Santa who makes ev'ry kid his pet
Be good and he'll bring you ev'rything in your Christmas alphabet

(Capital C) is for the Candy trimmed around the Christmas tree
(H) is for the Happiness with all the family
(R) is for the Reindeer prancing by the window pane
(I) is for the Icing on the cake as sweet as sugar cane
(S) is for the Stocking on the chimney wall
(T) is the Toys beneath the tree so tall
(M) is for the Mistletoe where ev'ry one is kissed
(A) is for the Angels who make up the Christmas list
(S) is for old Santa who makes ev'ry kid his pet
Be good and he'll bring you ev'rything in your Christmas (Christmas) alphabet

C H R I S T M A S

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The McGuire Sisters

The McGuire Sisters were a singing trio in American popular music. The group was composed of three sisters: Christine McGuire (born July 30, 1926); Dorothy McGuire (February 13, 1928 – September 7, 2012); and Phyllis McGuire (born February 14, 1931). Among their most popular songs are "Sincerely" and "Sugartime". more »

2 fans

Written by: JULES LOMAN, BUDDY KAYE

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Genre
"Christmas Alphabet" by The McGuire Sisters is classified in the music genres of traditional pop, which was highly popular during the mid-20th century, and Christmas, referencing its holiday-theme.
Release Year
The song was released in 1955, making it a classic in the catalog of Christmas tunes that have stood the test of time.
Popular Era
It was most popular in the mid-1950s, a period filled with feel-good, family-oriented music, especially around the Christmas season.
Chart Records
The song reached No.1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1955, making it the first Christmas song to top the charts in the UK.
Original Writer
The song was originally written by Buddy Kaye and Jules Loman. The McGuire Sisters' version is arguably the most recognized and acclaimed rendition of the song.
Group Members
The McGuire Sisters were a vocal trio made up of Christine, Dorothy and Phyllis McGuire. They became one of the most popular American female singing groups of the 1950s.
McAuliffe Sisters
The group was originally named the McAuliffe Sisters, in reference to their mother's maiden name.
Grammy Recognition
Though The McGuire Sisters never won a Grammy for "Christmas Alphabet," they were recognized with a Grammy Hall of Fame induction in 1998 for their hit "Sincerely."
Musical Style
The McGuire Sisters were known for their sweet harmonies and innocent image, which was highly reflected in "Christmas Alphabet."
Song Duration
The full song runs for approximately two minutes and 10 seconds, making it a succinct yet memorable holiday tune.
Song Structure
"Christmas Alphabet" features the use of alphabetic acrostics where each line represents a letter in the alphabet that references well-known Christmas traditions or items.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by multiple artists over the decades, most notably by Cliff Richard for his holiday album "Kinda Latin" released in 1966 and by Dickie Valentine in an earlier, also chart-topping, UK single.
Retro Appeal
The song continues to maintain its appeal, often being played during the Christmas season on radio stations that feature retro or "oldies" programming.
Group's Demise
The McGuire Sisters officially disbanded in 1968, but their iconic "Christmas Alphabet" continues to ring on radio stations every holiday season.
Personal Touch
Unlike many songs of the time, "Christmas Alphabet" didn't have a producer's "stamp." Instead, it perfectly captured the unique harmonies and musical style that The McGuire Sisters brought to all their music.

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    "Christmas Alphabet Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/12345101/The+McGuire+Sisters/Christmas+Alphabet>.

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