The Surprising Journey of ‘My Favorite Things’ from Stage to Christmas Classic
“My Favorite Things,” the iconic song from the 1965 film The Sound of Music, has become an unlikely Christmas classic. Its transformation from a summer tune to a festive favorite is a fascinating story that showcases the power of marketing, cultural resonance, and the enduring appeal of great music.
The Origins of “My Favorite Things”
“My Favorite Things” was originally written for the 1959 Broadway musical The Sound of Music by the legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. In the play, the song is performed by Maria, the governess of the von Trapp family, to comfort the children during a thunderstorm. The lyrics, a whimsical listing of Maria’s favorite things, were designed to distract the children from their fears and embrace the joys of life.
The song’s summertime setting is evident in the lush greenery and sundresses worn by the characters in the corresponding scene from the 1965 film adaptation. However, when the movie was released in April of that year, a clever marketing ploy had already planted the seeds for “My Favorite Things” to become a Christmas classic.
The Christmas Connection: A Strategic Marketing Move
In 1964, as the highly anticipated film version of The Sound of Music was in production, the music publishers behind the project grew concerned about its potential box office success. To generate buzz and attract moviegoers, they devised a plan to release a Christmas-themed rendition of “My Favorite Things” as a promotional single.
Music producer Mickey Kapp was approached by a song promoter from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s publishing company with the idea of adding sleigh bells to the track and positioning it as a Christmas song. Initially skeptical, Kapp eventually agreed, and singer Jack Jones recorded a jazzy, jingle bell-infused version for his 1964 Christmas album.
While Jones’ rendition didn’t become a major hit, it planted the idea that “My Favorite Things” could be reimagined as a holiday tune. The song’s inclusion on various Christmas albums that followed, including those by the Supremes, Andy Williams, and Barbra Streisand, further cemented its association with the festive season.
The Enduring Appeal of “My Favorite Things” as a Christmas Classic
So, what is it about “My Favorite Things” that makes it such a perfect fit for the Christmas season? Upon closer inspection, the song’s lyrics contain numerous elements that align with winter and holiday themes.
Analyzing the “Favorite Things”
Let’s categorize the “favorite things” mentioned in the song:
Winter/Holiday-Coded Things:
- “Crisp apple strudels”
- “Sleigh bells”
- “Silver-white winters that melt into springs”
Non-Winter/Holiday Things:
- “Bright copper kettles”
- “Warm woolen mittens”
- “Brown paper packages tied up with strings”
Ambiguous Things:
- “Girls in white dresses with blue sashes”
- “Cream-colored ponies”
- “Schnitzel with noodles”
While the first two categories seem balanced, it’s the third group that truly lends itself to a winter or Christmas interpretation. When accompanied by sleigh bells and positioned alongside other holiday tunes, these ambiguous items take on a festive quality. A cream-colored pony might easily be envisioned trotting through a snow-covered wonderland, and who doesn’t crave a warm, comforting meal like schnitzel with noodles on a chilly winter night?
Moreover, the song’s whimsical and nostalgic tone perfectly captures the joy and wonder of the Christmas season. Its ability to transport listeners to a simpler, more innocent time resonates deeply with the holiday spirit.
Conclusion
The transformation of “My Favorite Things” from a summer song in The Sound of Music to a beloved Christmas classic is a testament to the power of marketing, cultural influence, and the enduring appeal of great music. Through a strategic promotional campaign and the song’s inherent winter-friendly elements, “My Favorite Things” found a new life as a festive favorite, delighting audiences year after year with its warmth, whimsy, and timeless charm.