Christmas at BRP

The Santa pat-down!  Oh no, ho ho ho, it's that time of year again at BRP.  Irreverence is our specialty, but then again, Christmas is serious business.  According to Statista.com:

"Christmas is typically the largest economic stimulus for many nations around the world as sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas. The United States' retail industry generated over three trillion U.S. dollars during the holidays in 2013. These holiday sales reflected about 19.2 percent of the retail industries total sales that year. As a result, just over 768 thousand employees were hired throughout the United States to compensate for the holiday rush."

Wow, that's a lot of clams, so maybe that's why Santa is being patted down - is he keeping a little bit too much for himself?  Hmmmm.

But Christmas is not all about the bucks.  As Jethro Tull reminds us in their Christmas Song, there is another reason for the season.  I'm a big Tull fan having seen them live a number of times.  And I'm already committed to see their 50th Anniversary show in September in Philly.  Here's a quick YouTube hit on the Tull Christmas Song:

But wait a dang minute.  There are some other serious rockers who did Christmas tunes of a different variety.  Many suck, and I refuse to push them on you even though it is the season of giving.  Here are two worthy ones:  First, the Kinks with Father Christmas:

Man, did the Kinks ever rock!  I've seen them and they are proud ancestors to what became heavy metal, punk and power pop.  God bless 'em!

And now here is the overplayed but still great Springsteen version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town:"

Now, that's just plain fun, right?  After hearing that, even Santa wants in on the rockin' Christmas theme.

But wait.  Something is missing.  What's the most fun Christmas music ever?  I have no idea, but I do know a very worthy candidate.  And it's not even rock.  Jazz?  Hey, it's another great American musical art form beloved all over the world.  So here we go with some jazzy Christmas stuff:

You have to like that no matter what religion you practice, what holiday you celebrate, or whatever you do on December 25. 

Hey, rockers, I hope that each of you has a wonderful season.  Remember, the themes of peace on earth, charity, and good will to man are universal.  I'm going to be back with more, lots more, and I hope that you join me.  In the meantime, I hope that your Christmas dreams come true.