About The Song
While The Monkees are best known for their upbeat pop-rock anthems and their carefully constructed image as a fun-loving band, they also ventured into seasonal territory with the cheerful and festive track “Christmas Is My Time Of Year.” Released in 1967 as a single and also appearing on their Christmas Party album in 1991, this song showcases the band’s ability to infuse their signature energy and playful spirit into a holiday-themed tune. It’s a track that, while celebrating the joys of the Christmas season, maintains The Monkees’ distinctive pop sensibilities and their knack for creating catchy and memorable melodies.
The songwriting for “Christmas Is My Time Of Year” is credited to Michael Nesmith and Bill Chadwick. Nesmith, known for his more eclectic musical tastes and his often introspective lyrics, brings a touch of his unique style to the song, while Chadwick contributes to its overall festive and upbeat feel. The lyrics capture the excitement and anticipation associated with the Christmas season, focusing on the joy of giving and receiving gifts, the warmth of family gatherings, and the overall celebratory atmosphere. The song avoids overly sentimental or religious themes, instead embracing the more secular aspects of Christmas with a lighthearted and enthusiastic approach.
The title itself, “Christmas Is My Time Of Year,” establishes the song’s central theme: the narrator’s enthusiastic embrace of the holiday season. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Christmas festivities, mentioning familiar elements like decorated trees, stockings hung with care, and the anticipation of Santa’s arrival. However, the song avoids cliché, infusing these familiar images with The Monkees’ signature playful energy. There’s a sense of genuine excitement and joy in the lyrics, conveying the narrator’s wholehearted embrace of the Christmas spirit.
Musically, “Christmas Is My Time Of Year” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, its catchy melody, and The Monkees’ trademark vocal harmonies. The arrangement features a driving rhythm section, festive instrumentation including sleigh bells and other seasonal sounds, and a bright, energetic overall feel. The song’s production is polished and accessible, fitting comfortably within The Monkees’ established pop-rock style while still capturing the celebratory atmosphere of the Christmas season. The instrumentation and arrangement contribute significantly to the song’s overall sense of fun and festive cheer.
The Monkees’ vocal performance in “Christmas Is My Time Of Year” is characteristically energetic and engaging. The band’s tight harmonies and their enthusiastic delivery perfectly capture the song’s upbeat and celebratory tone. There’s a sense of genuine joy in their voices, making the listener feel the excitement and festive spirit of the Christmas season. The vocal performance enhances the song’s catchy melody and its overall sense of fun.
While not one of The Monkees’ biggest chart-topping hits, “Christmas Is My Time Of Year” remains a beloved track among their fans, offering a festive and cheerful addition to their discography. Its upbeat energy, its catchy melody, and its playful celebration of the Christmas season make it a memorable and enjoyable listening experience. The song demonstrates The Monkees’ ability to infuse their signature style into a holiday-themed tune, creating a track that is both festive and undeniably Monkees-esque. It stands as a testament to their versatility and their enduring appeal as a band that could bring joy and energy to any musical landscape, even the most wonderful time of the year.