Since no one can actually pin down what inspired it, there are two popular beliefs around this song’s beginning. After three years of Christmas carol origins, we are now moving into more recent writings, and this is one of them.
In 1951, Meredith Wilson wrote this song, and the rumor is that it was written while staying in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in the Yarmouth Grand Hotel. The line … tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well … is believed to reference Frost Park, which is right across the street from the hotel.
The other school of thought is that the Grand Hotel mentioned is the Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City, IA, which is Wilson’s hometown. It is the last remaining hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and overlooks Mason City’s central park.
This song was later added to a pre-Broadway version of Here’s Love and can be heard on the cast recording. Alvin and the Chipmunks covered the song in 1961 and Big Bird sang it in 1975.
Everyone loves this song, and if you spend any time walking through the malls during the holiday season, you may find yourself humming right along, if not bursting out into song. It also might be the first thing you think when you see the first snowfall of the season.
While we may never know the real inspiration for this song, we do know what this song means to us.
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look in the Five and Ten
Glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see
Is the holly that will be
On your own front door
A pair of Hop-a-long boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Bonny and Ben
Dolls that will talk and go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jenn
And mom and dad can hardly wait
For school to start again
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
There's a tree in the Grand Hotel
One in the park as well
The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that will make them ring
Is the Carol that you sing
Right within your heart
A pair of Hop-a-long boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Bonny and Ben
Dolls that will talk and go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jenn
And mom and dad can hardly wait
For school to start again
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that will make them ring
Is the Carol that you sing
Right within your heart, right within your heart
I know you youngsters
You have to admit, in some places, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Here to help you with your Christmas shopping are our own handmade helpers. Shop now and shop soon or miss out on some amazing handmade gifts.
Handmade Pocket Prayer Cloth
Leaf Earrings For Her
Blue Multi Tweed Cowl
Purple Textured Art Glass Plate with Gold Mica Accents,
Checkered Plaid Dog Scrunchie Neck Ruffle
Purple Flower Dangle Earrings with Chains and Swarovski Crystals
Deep Violet Purple African Daisy Photograph
Purple Swarovski Pink Beaded Dangle Women's Earrings
Amethyst Heart Earrings
Violet Purple Glass Lampwork Beads Handmade Shiny Opaque
Art Party Invitations for Boys and Girls Birthday
Purple Floral Abstract Original Watercolor Batik Painting on Rice Paper
One-of-a-Kind Dichroic Dangle Earrings
Crocheted Infant Slouchy Hat
Peace Symbol Earrings
Short Beaded Pendant Necklace Purple Pearl Mosaic Magnesite Gemstone
Genuine Amethyst and Chain with Niobium Ear Wire Handmade Earrings
Butterfly Arrowheads and Purple Amethyst Lampwork Earrings
Heart Shaped Earrings
Unique Maple Exotic Wood Dangle Earrings
Amethyst Spike Necklace and Earrings Set
Amethyst Gemstone Nugget White Freshwater Pearl Long Necklace 41 Inch
Don’t see what you are looking for? Maybe you will find it in some of the following showcases or ask one of our talented artists to design something special for you.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Here are more shopping opportunities for you:
O Holy Night
The First Noel
Silver Bells
Jingle Bells
O’ Come all Ye Faithful
Angels from the Realms of Glory
While the Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
O Come O Come Emanuel
Angels We have Heard on High
Hurry because handmade sells out fast, and when they are gone, they are gone! Buy now.
Enjoy!
Julie