Christmas Time Is Here

This set's key to melancholic magic is the track "Christmas Time Is Here," lifted from the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. Nice and homely, yes, but the warming quality of this tune would not have you believe so. The song speaks of joy and beauty found in the simplest of things: snowflakes in the air, carols everywhere, and yuletide by the fireside, bringing up that awesome atmosphere that resonates all ages.

The song is a timeless message—a gentle invitation to celebrate the beauty and joy of the season when families draw near, wishing for the spirit of Christmas to last all year. The song becomes a report on the desires of people for peace, love, and joy during the holidays. All of this lyrical sincerity, combined with its smooth-jazz sensibilities by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, helped make it part of the Christmas music cannon, showcasing a quiet, reflective side of the holiday well removed from the parade of commerce, but perhaps also serving as a reminder to listeners of the real spirit of the holiday season.