Christmas Time is Here!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are looking into one of the most recognizable Christmas songs of all time; Christmas Time is Here! I was lucky enough to get in touch with one of the original choir singers from the song, Cary Cedarblade! He was gracious enough to answer a couple of questions for us!

When the heartwarming strains of “Christmas Time Is Here” float through the air each holiday season, they carry with them a story of unexpected creativity. The song first appeared in the 1965 television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, with music composed by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. But the lyrics; wistful, gentle, and poetic; came from an unlikely source: the show’s producer, Lee Mendelson. Originally, Mendelson had planned to hire a professional lyricist to write the words, but after reaching out to several songwriters and hearing only that they were too busy, he decided to write the lyrics himself; scribbling them on a yellow legal pad in just about 15 minutes.

This last-minute decision turned out to be a perfect fit for the quiet charm of the Peanuts world. Paired with Guaraldi’s dreamy jazz melody, Mendelson’s simple and sincere words gave voice to a childlike wonder and melancholy that set the tone for the entire special. The vocals came from the children’s choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in San Rafael, California. Mendelson and Guaraldi specifically chose a local choir with untrained voices to capture an innocent, authentic feel; and that choice helped cement the song’s emotional power.

Though it wasn’t released as a single at the time, “Christmas Time Is Here” gradually grew into one of the most beloved modern Christmas songs. Covered by dozens of artists across genres, it’s the original version; with its quiet piano intro, heartfelt choir, and Mendelson’s spontaneous lyrics; that continues to resonate most deeply with fans. Its unpolished, pure tone captures something rare: the bittersweet side of the holidays, seen through the eyes of a child.

Nearly 60 years later, “Christmas Time Is Here” remains a cornerstone of holiday music, playing in homes, stores, and on the radio every December. What began as a backup plan turned into an enduring classic. Lee Mendelson’s impromptu lyrics, born out of necessity, now live on as a poetic reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful creations come from moments of unexpected inspiration.

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: What’s it like to be a part of such a beloved Christmas special and song?

Cary Cedarblade: It was great fun as a 10 year old kid to be asked to participate in a recording session, and on a weeknight! We all thought “Charlie Brown Christmas” would be televised once and that’ll be it.

The longevity of this show is truly astounding and I’m extremely humbled to have even a small part of it. I have been able to enjoy “Charlie Brown Christmas” with my daughter and her kids too, such a blessing.

We all loved “Christmas Time is Here” and still do. In fact, some of the original singers performed it together at the annual “Beaglefest” here in California back in July. It’s wonderful to share this love with so many people, like yourself.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Cary Cedarblade: Keep going and don’t lose faith and confidence in myself. Believe in good outcomes!

Good things can happen in and from unexpected places!

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo