Thanksgiving, for my family, has always been THE holiday that we loved. We all come together, cooking, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company.

When we were kids, Thanksgiving was the day that we started playing Christmas songs. It was the beginning of the holiday season to us.

Mom would put on an album and we would all sing as we set the table and got ready to sit down. I can’t remember a Thanksgiving without Burl Ives or some other deep voice singing a beautiful song in the background as we ate turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce.

One of the fun things about this tradition was tormenting my Dad. *chuckle* He HATES holiday songs. They drive him mad. So, singing these songs at the top of our lungs was part of the fun in poking at our dad and having fun with him.

To be honest, I’m not sure if he really hates it or if it’s his inner-curmudgeon coming out to tease us back.

Our most favorite song to sing was (and is) Barefoot Santa Claus by Sonny James. This song is our family song. We all light up and laugh and enjoy singing this one with one another.

It’s an obscure little song. I don’t know anyone else who has ever heard it (although, I’m sure one of you will surprise me!).
We once had an album with it on it but that album got lost in the moves over the years. So, in 2000, I found the song online and transferred it to CD for the members of my family.

I won’t be surprised if I hear this CD playing today when I go to my brother’s house for Thanksgiving dinner.

I will smile if I do.

—

Barefoot Santa Claus
Sonny James

Barefoot, barefoot Santa Claus
Jumping on the roofs without his boots
Barefoot, barefoot Santa Claus
Happy in his big red suit

The reindeer couldn’t believe their eyes
The stars were blinking, too
For zooming through the Christmas skies
was Santa without his shoes

Now Santa had to beat the mornin’ sun
With a hey and a holler and a hoot
But he needed some help getting his job done
And he had to give away his boots

Oh, barefoot, barefoot Santa Claus
Jumping on the roofs without his boots
Barefoot, barefoot Santa Claus
Happy in his big red suit

Now a hint of dawn was in the sky
With many a mile to go
When Tommy, the newsboy, happened by
My story I’ll bet you know

Santa called and Tom didn’t even pause
With a hey and a holler and a hoot
And he worked so hard helping Santa Claus
That he wore out his own boots

Oh, barefoot, barefoot Santa Claus
Jumping on the roofs without his boots
Barefoot, barefoot Santa Claus
Happy in his big red suit

The sun came up but the job was done
Because young Tommy cared
His thank you was a special one
Santa gave him his boots to wear

The reindeer couldn’t believe their eyes
The stars were blinking, too
Wiggling his toes and aheading for home
Was Santa without his shoes

Oh, barefoot, barefoot Santa Claus
Jumping on the roofs without his boots
Barefoot, barefoot Santa Claus
Happy in his big red suit

Happy in his big red suit
Happy in his big red suit

addendum: for those who have asked, as of December 2007 you can find a copy of the mp3 here: http://rapidshare.com/files/18859683/Sonny_James_-_Barefoot_Santa_Claus.mp3.html

You have to jump through some hoops to get the download but it is free.