Snoopy's Christmas

Over the past few weeks, I've reacquainted myself with this forgotten little obscurity from my childhood.  I did a YouTube search for "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron", finding the original classic recorded by the Royal Guardsman in 1966.  You're probably familiar.  My introduction to that song, when I was maybe six years of age, was via a cover version found on Peter Pan/Diplomat Records' 1969 release Snoopy's Christmas, which I also happily found in my Internet search.  Loyal readers - forgive me as I repeat this.....you've experienced the thrill of recognition when you rediscover an old favorite? That warmth of knowing that this thing that was so vital to your old self never left you.  Pleasantly, patiently hibernating somewhere in the cortices awaiting the door to be unlocked.  Ultimately another portal in time.

Amazing when that happens.  I must've listened to this record a million times, as when I played it again after nearly fifty years I remembered every bar.  Another old friend whose reemergence is more than welcome in these grim times.  A record not affiliated with any of Charles Schulz's works, and doesn't even credit its musicians.  For me, that adds to the intrigue.  These anonymous, mysterious yet sweet long ago voices, chiming simplistic (other than Snoopy's WWI tale) songs about Christmas candy and snowflakes. Christmas trees. Reindeer (Donner and Blitzen and their backstory) and "Jingle, the Christmas Mouse".  Jack Frost.  And of course, Santa.  The voices are comforting, the arrangements, jazzy.  Some even ragtime-ish.  Not necessarily accomplished, and maybe not above the level of a band you might've heard in a Holiday Inn lounge, but still quite pleasant.  It also sounds as if recorded with love.

Maybe I'm wrong.  Maybe these were non-union musicians looking for a few bucks.  I don't want to think that way.  That bratty child I once was adored these tunes enough to associate them with Christmas itself.  Only "The Little Shepherd" has any spiritual connotations, but Snoopy's Christmas, likely purchased in the bargain bin at Woolco or Woolworth's by my father, is essential listening for me.  Sad I've not had it in my life for so long.  You can bet your mistletoe it will remain in my queue for the rest of my days.

P.S. - The above cover art is the one I remember, but not the original.  Apparently there were some reissues in the '70s.