When you think about the timeless recordings that define the holiday season, songs like Let It Snow, Jingle Bells, Home for the Holidays, and (of course) White Christmas immediately come to mind. But tucked away in the holiday section of the American Songbook are some hidden gems that don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
It can be a lot of fun resurrecting these lesser-known songs, which is why I included a few on last year’s album Christmas Around the World. And this year, it let me shine a spotlight on the real unsung hero of the North Pole.
Mrs. Santa Claus
Mrs. Santa Claus was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1953. And while it never quite reached the fame of the much-loved The Christmas Song (“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”), it’s a delightful glimpse into some of the inner workings of Santa’s workshop.
When I first heard Mrs. Santa Claus, I was immediately struck by the whimsical nature of its behind-the-scenes story. Everyone knows that the jolly man in the red suit needs an army of helpers to keep things running on schedule. This song celebrates the person who really keeps everything running smoothly.
Running Like Clockwork
To reinterpret this song for today, I wanted an arrangement that ran like clockwork – with the precision and control that Mrs. C brings to everything she does. Pizzicato strings keep time while a simple horn solo adds an elegant flair, reminiscent of a stately march by Handel. Everything in its place, everything under control – and plenty of time to finish decorating the freshly baked cookies.
Listen and Stream
If you haven’t added Mrs. Santa Claus to your holiday rotation yet, you can stream it now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all major streaming platforms.
And if you’re in the Rochester area, I’ll be performing Mrs. Santa Claus live on December 12 with the Brockport Symphony Orchestra in Geneseo. It would be wonderful to see you there!
I’ll also be sharing some more stories about the holidays over the coming weeks – be sure to check back!
What hidden gems are you listening to this holiday season?