23 December 2022

Published December 21, 2022 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

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Genre: Trivial Pursuit
Word Count: 100

HAPPY HANUKKAH

“‘The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway—’” Kent looked up from his book. “The song wouldn’t have been the same with those opening lines.”

            Shelley yawned. “What song, O master of entertainment trivia?”

            “White Christmas of course.”

            “Tell me more. I’ll pretend to be interested.”

            “Irving Berlin wrote it for “Holiday Inn,” and snagged the Oscar for best song of 1942. Bing Crosby’s recording of “White Christmas” hit the top of the charts by Halloween. Can you imagine the holidays without it?”

            “He was Jewish, you know.”

            “Crosby?”

            “No, Einstein—Irving Berlin.”  

Just for fun here’s the song with the original first verse:

And here’s the song as sung in the movie “Holiday Inn.”

69 comments on “23 December 2022

  • Dear Rochelle,

    Holiday Inn is one of my top Christmas movies (even if they go through all the yearly holidays 😉 ) No Christmas season is complete, for me, without hearing this version of White Christmas. No matter how many do it, they can’t hold a candle to Bing. As for your story, I love how you weave in a little knowledge even while making us chuckle.

    Shalom and Happy Chanukah!

    Dale

    Liked by 1 person

      • I spent a Christmas in Virginia. It was odd being cold. 😀. Culturally we’ve made Christmas our own. Many cards show kangaroos and Santa chilling out by the pool. Santa often wears sunglasses. Christmas lunch is often seafood (too hot for the oven).

        Happy holidays R!

        Liked by 1 person

  • Love it. Crochet seems to be the order of the day for me. Whilst looking at patterns I’ve discovered many people crochet different things and make them into ornaments for their Christmas trees. I think maybe I need to make you some crocheted latkes, sufganiyot and hannukiahs for your tree next year. It’s beautiful and so is the story 😊 🕎

    Liked by 1 person

  • Like so many classics, it’s hard to imagine hearing that song for the first time. Did they know how definitive it would become? I’ve heard it with and without the verse; I think it adds an extra dimension, but I can’t say whether that’s an improvement or not.
    Happy Hannukah to you and yours, Rochelle, and to old Irving himself.

    Jen

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Jen,

      I only recently found out about the original first verse. Opinions seem to be divided on whether or not the song needed it. In any event, it was reportedly Irving Berlin’s choice to delete it. And either way, it’s a classic. I doubt that anyone knew what a classic it would become. Rather like the movie classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It was originally a box office flop. Go figure.
      I hope your Christmas was magical. Happy New Year.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

  • Dear Rochelle,

    Well, he did live in LA where the grass is green and the orange/palm trees sway on Christmas! Oh how funny! I won’t forget this little bit of trivia while listening to crooning Bing. 🎅

    Shalom,
    Dora

    Liked by 1 person

  • I’ve known that first verse as long as I can remember–I don’t know why :). This is truly a classic, isn’t it? Anything that stands the test of time, as this song has, is certainly deserving of being named a classic.

    Liked by 1 person

  • Excellent piercing story, Rochelle.

    Irving Berlin’s life is another interesting American rags to riches success story. Yes to the song and the movie. Great memories.

    Kent seems to be a patient chap given Shelley’s penchant for (hoping for sibling) snarkasm. 🙂

    Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah and much Peace,

    Bill

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Nobbin,

      I just edited a trainwreck of a short story the writer considered “ready to go.” Not sure she’ll be speaking to me after she reads my comments and suggestions. But yes, a little editing can completely change the meaning. 😉 Hope your holiday was wonderful. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

  • I remember listening to Christmas songs when we were living in South Africa. How strange it was, yet still so very Christmassy eating our Christmas dinner on the stoep beside the pool in scorching heat. Happy Hanukkah, Rochelle.

    Liked by 1 person

  • Dear Rochelle,

    Thanks for the trivia about the classic song, “White Christmas.” It looks like we’re having one here in Canada. Can you believe I have never watched the movie? Maybe this year, I will.

    Happy Hanukkah to you and your family.

    Shalom,
    Adele

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Adele,

      This season I watched “White Christmas”, “Holiday Inn” (the movie where the song originated) and “It’s a Wonderful Life..” Loved every minute of it. In our house we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

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