Karen and Richard simply had that "magic" that ended way too soon. Fortunately we get to enjoy their phenomenal work via recordings. I was shopping when the news came over the speakers that Karen died. It took me a while to process that. The chemistry that Karen and Richard had was a rare one. They performed as one. Their music is priceless, timeless, and classic. Richard, if you ever read this comment...please know that what you and Karen did as The Carpenters was a gift that many still enjoy!
Karen's voice is amazing & their Christmas album is amazing. This is a beautiful song. I haven't heard much of their regular music other than their Christmas music. My dad said he went to their concert in the 1970s when he was in high school. My mom has been to their concert too, probably in the 1970s.
my parents told us the story about how Karen suffered anorexia & she thought she was fat & she starved herself. She died of a heart attack because of the anorexia
Me too. When Karen sings the line, "I wish I were with you," I get a little lump in my throat. Because she left us so young, that lyric now has a poignancy that it didn't have when she was alive. It's like a greeting from the beyond. Karen, we wish you were with us, too!
I still get get goosebumps everytime I hear her singing this song, one of the best female vocalists all time. Its as if she were still alive with that wonderful voice of hers just as if it were yesterday, every Christmas I just have to listen to this song to get me into the spirit of the Holidays, it really lifts my spirits up I know.
My brother David passed away Dec. 5th of this year (2015) He loved Karen Carpenter and especially this song at Christmas time. And now he is able to listen to her sing it live for him in heaven where they both are. I love and miss you David! Merry Christmas, Your brother, Craig.
The thought of him getting to hear it "live" in person just gives me chills... how wonderful it must be in heaven. Blessings to you and your family, and my condolences.
I understand. This song makes you miss Karen, of course, but also all of the people who used to be in your life who are now gone. Music like this can always stir memories.
Plus this song ALWAYS makes me cry for the other lonely people throughout the world--RIP always and forever Karen Carpenter--Your songs and your memory are never forgotten! :-)
This classic Christmas tune still pulls at my heartstrings and makes me cry EVERY time--It's right up there with "Last Christmas" by Wham! and "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid as my top 3 holiday songs of all time! :)
Everyone of her vids are commented with love and admiration for Karen. She left at 32 and has left a big hole in the hearts of fans worldwide. If you hear her in the afterlife guess what, you're in heaven.
I visit Karens grave every year from England. When she died, I felt like I had lost a member of my own family. To me, this is the ultimate Christmas song, beautiful tune, lyrics and of course That Voice. Merry Christmas Richard and Karen where you are, Thank you for leaving us the legacy.
Frank Pooler one of my "HERO'S" for a long time. God Bless you Frank. Well the Holidays are here & I look forward to hearing this song at least a couple of hundred times between the radio & of course here on You Tube. Shhhh don't tell anyone but just like Karen I never would have a hard listening to Christmas music in the middle of the summer, especially all The Carpenters Christmas songs. As always Frank thank you for all of your contributions to music. These video's still make me cry, GB KC
Most beautiful Christmas song to me brings back memories of my grandparents back in the 70s cooking in the kitchen and snow falling out side the home was so happy...makes me cry of happy tears...much thanks for sharing this song...
This like so many of the best Christmas classics were written and recorded in 60s, 70s with a few 80s. Sucks getting old but what a lifetime of music I've seen/heard. So much talent. Amazing.
Agreed. On too many remixes, Karen's vocal is pushed back and lost in reverb. This is especially true on the dreadful remix of the "Christmas Portrait" album. I always play my original mix of that album (still available on the "CP Special Edition" CD).
Una maravillaaa!!!...como todo lo que canta Karen y arregla Richard...dos músicos impresionantes!!!!!!!!...te extrañamos mucho Karen!!!... Gracias amigo Ocean!!!Abrazo. Germán.
Every Christmas I seek this song, and every time, I am overcome with emotion. The combination of Karen's voice, this song, and the holiday season are almost too much to bear. Merry Christmas to you, Karen, and thank you.
@toastedravioli I like her 1970 vocal more, too. She sings with more emotion, and it tugs at your heartstrings. But she apparently thought it was too affected, which is why she did this smoother version in 1978. Personally, I think she got it right the first time!
This is a good song anyway its done, Karen's powerful voice and the meaningful lyrics all come together to make pure magic, LOVE YOU KAREN, MERRY CHRISTMAS KAREN, you are the best thing that ever was given to the world! :)
Hola German! Sí, Karen y Richard eran músicos asombrosos e hicieron música muy hermosa. Soy feliz que tan mucha gente todavía goza el escuchar esta canción. Gracias por sus comentarios agradables. ¡Abrazos a usted! :)
@OceanKingNY Hey Ocean; thanks for the compliment; much appreciated. Of course you can borrow it. Thanks for sharing such a great song and video. She really does sound too beautiful for this world, doesn't she? Hugs to you and good health.
Just a few more months and it's Christmas time again!!!! ^_^ Dude.... THANK YOU for posting this video and the other links to the other two preceding versions! :D
It's not Christmas until I hear this cut on WNNK, Harrisburg, PA. It's not Christmas anywhere, until anybody and everybody hears this record. Merry Christmas, Everybody ! 5-20-2011
I cried when I watched this video. My maternal grandmother passed away just a few days before Christmas 3 years ago. I feel sad that now I am married and have a good job, she is not here to celebrate it with me.
@vmuto1 Yes, I have wondered about any possible outtakes from the specials. In a radio interview promoting the "Christmas Portrait" album, Karen said that they had just done "The First Snowfall/Let It Snow" for a Christmas special. Does that mean that there's an unseen production number in the vault that was edited out of the broadcast version? Or did Karen mis-speak, and what she really meant was the "Winter Wonderland" medley? Who knows what videos might be sitting in the vault?
@mctous1 Absolutely agree. The original 1970 version is the best. Karen's vocal is perfect, with just the right amount of emotional yearning to match Richard's melancholy arrangement. Why Karen wasn't satisfied with it, I will never comprehend. Her 1978 re-do is too sweet, as you say. She toned down the emotion and she just sounds too mellow on that version. This 1992 remix I don't like at all, but I thought people might want to hear it out of curiosity.
@FarrellAndFarrellFan Thanks for commenting, and give our best wishes to the Carpenter family. I often wonder what it's like for Richard's kids. To them, he's just "Dad." It must be hard for them to imagine that at one time, he and their Aunt Karen (who they never knew) were world-famous pop stars.
I think Richard gets bored sometimes and misses working with Karen and plays around with their old stuff. I wish he would concentrate some time in to getting all of their TV specials out on DVD.
@scheckdj I wonder this all the time. What would it be like if she was still here with us. I absolutely love her voice and brings me to a level of comfort everytime I hear her. When she died I literally cried for two days straight. What a loss but thank goodness we have these recorded memories. To me, no one meets her level of poingnancy. I sure miss her!
Yeah, I'm not crazy about this mix either, but it's always interesting to hear another take. And this really makes you appreciate how perfect the original arrangement is.
@mctous1 I agree as well... Particulrly in a couple spots where Karen hits her lower regester in the original... The second "But" on BUT every day's a holiday.... and toward the end at the Happy New YEAR too.... Plus - overall - seems the original variation simply carries a more nostalgic feel. Sorry Karen!! ;) Thnaks tho for posting this version. I had never heard it. Can;t tell much of a difference - with the possible exception of RCs voice on the harmonized ending.... Thanks!
Karen and Richard simply had that "magic" that ended way too soon. Fortunately we get to enjoy their phenomenal work via recordings. I was shopping when the news came over the speakers that Karen died. It took me a while to process that. The chemistry that Karen and Richard had was a rare one. They performed as one. Their music is priceless, timeless, and classic. Richard, if you ever read this comment...please know that what you and Karen did as The Carpenters was a gift that many still enjoy!
It's hard to believe that she's been gone these many years. She had a voice like an angel. Here's wishing Karen Carpenter a Merry Christmas.
Amazing voice never get tired of listening to her sing.
Karen's voice is amazing & their Christmas album is amazing. This is a beautiful song. I haven't heard much of their regular music other than their Christmas music. My dad said he went to their concert in the 1970s when he was in high school. My mom has been to their concert too, probably in the 1970s.
Still one of the best Christmas songs out there! Sing it Karen!
One of the most beautiful songs ever...she is flawless...what a terrible loss...miss you Karen..
my parents told us the story about how Karen suffered anorexia & she thought she was fat & she starved herself. She died of a heart attack because of the anorexia
So many memories. I wished I still had the 45 when it came out. This was my favorite Christmas song for decades.
Me too. When Karen sings the line, "I wish I were with you," I get a little lump in my throat. Because she left us so young, that lyric now has a poignancy that it didn't have when she was alive. It's like a greeting from the beyond. Karen, we wish you were with us, too!
Arguably one of the top female vocalists of all time.
Oh man...what a voice. It's so lovely it's almost supernatural. Sigh...thanks for posting.
her clarity and resonance of voice is simply unmatched.
I still get get goosebumps everytime I hear her singing this song, one of the best female vocalists all time. Its as if she were still alive with that wonderful voice of hers just as if it were yesterday, every Christmas I just have to listen to this song to get me into the spirit of the Holidays, it really lifts my spirits up I know.
The best christmas song ever from miss karen carpenter!
one of the purest voices God ever created
Always the ultimate Christmas song...
+vee dub Amen !!! definitely the best contemporary Christmas song "" ever ""
My brother David passed away Dec. 5th of this year (2015) He loved Karen Carpenter and especially this song
at Christmas time. And now he is able to listen to her sing it live for him in heaven where they both are. I love and miss you David!
Merry Christmas,
Your brother, Craig.
+crgybby Sorry for your loss. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
+OceanKingNY
Thank you. Same to you and your family.
The thought of him getting to hear it "live" in person just gives me chills... how wonderful it must be in heaven. Blessings to you and your family, and my condolences.
May God bless you!
Sorry for your loss 😢
Not to forget Richards great tune composition as well along with, ofcourse Karen's flawless singing
I loved every song the Carpenter's ever made. I had so much fun back in my 20's and I have few regrets. I love 🎄 Christmas!!
I understand. This song makes you miss Karen, of course, but also all of the people who used to be in your life who are now gone. Music like this can always stir memories.
Plus this song ALWAYS makes me cry for the other lonely people throughout the world--RIP always and forever Karen Carpenter--Your songs and your memory are never forgotten! :-)
Her beautiful voice is as smooth as silk.
Parabens pela postagem de mais um excelente trabalho da dupla mais romantica de todos os tempos ... Valeu !
@poots2988 This literally brought tears to my eyes. Agree with OceanKing - That is a beautiful memory, thank you so much for sharing.
This classic Christmas tune still pulls at my heartstrings and makes me cry EVERY time--It's right up there with "Last Christmas" by Wham! and "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid as my top 3 holiday songs of all time! :)
WarlordFeyd Karen Carpenter never wanted fame and never fulfilled her own life since Richard and Agnes controlled her life!
DON'T FORGET BROTHER RAY CHARLES CHRISTMAS SPIRIT THAT ONE WILL PULL AT YOUR HEART STRING TO
One of my Favorite christmas carols ever... sung by a Pure Angel!
No female voice in history comes near the perfection of Karen.
One of the greatest Christmas Love Song of my life. I miss you Karen :D
Everyone of her vids are commented with love and admiration for Karen. She left at 32 and has left a big hole in the hearts of fans worldwide. If you hear her in the afterlife guess what, you're in heaven.
I visit Karens grave every year from England. When she died, I felt like I had lost a member of my own family. To me, this is the ultimate Christmas song, beautiful tune, lyrics and of course That Voice. Merry Christmas Richard and Karen where you are, Thank you for leaving us the legacy.
I miss you Karen Carpenter! Your music is like slow dripping honey!
Thank you for sharing that beautiful memory of your wife with us. All the best to you for a Happy New Year!
I know exactly how you feel. Thanks for sharing, and Happy Holidays!
my " favourite " Christmas song
Missed her so much
Frank Pooler one of my "HERO'S" for a long time. God Bless you Frank. Well the Holidays are here & I look forward to hearing this song at least a couple of hundred times between the radio & of course here on You Tube. Shhhh don't tell anyone but just like Karen I never would have a hard listening to Christmas music in the middle of the summer, especially all The Carpenters Christmas songs. As always Frank thank you for all of your contributions to music. These video's still make me cry, GB KC
Most beautiful Christmas song to me brings back memories of my grandparents back in the 70s cooking in the kitchen and snow falling out side the home was so happy...makes me cry of happy tears...much thanks for sharing this song...
This is the real deal, please watch this. GB you Karen we all still think of you way too often!
BEAUTIFUL!!!
Perfection! what a smooth talent! Wish she had lived longer, tragic, but her voice endures!
The best Xmas song of all time!
100,000 views!
Thanks to all of you for watching. Merry Christmas!
Incredible I met Frank Pooler in Los Alamitos Ca, he was my client ☺️
50,000 views!
Thanks to everyone for supporting this song & video.
A Happy Christmas Season to all!
Merry Christmas to everyone watching in 2019 🎁❄⛄🎄🎅🎀
This is the best version of Carpenters' holiday classic ever! :-) TY OceanKingNY!
I fell in love with her when I was a little kid. Still love her today. Cried so hard when I found out she left us.
one of the most romantic Christmas songs ever- and never a better voice than Karen's...RIP...we love you
This like so many of the best Christmas classics were written and recorded in 60s, 70s with a few 80s. Sucks getting old but what a lifetime of music I've seen/heard. So much talent. Amazing.
Agreed. On too many remixes, Karen's vocal is pushed back and lost in reverb. This is especially true on the dreadful remix of the "Christmas Portrait" album. I always play my original mix of that album (still available on the "CP Special Edition" CD).
Una maravillaaa!!!...como todo lo que canta Karen y arregla Richard...dos músicos impresionantes!!!!!!!!...te extrañamos mucho Karen!!!... Gracias amigo Ocean!!!Abrazo. Germán.
Every Christmas I seek this song, and every time, I am overcome with emotion. The combination of Karen's voice, this song, and the holiday season are almost too much to bear. Merry Christmas to you, Karen, and thank you.
@toastedravioli I like her 1970 vocal more, too. She sings with more emotion, and it tugs at your heartstrings. But she apparently thought it was too affected, which is why she did this smoother version in 1978. Personally, I think she got it right the first time!
I miss her voice soooo much! What would she be like if she was still with us? Her voice was so pure!
Merry Christmas Darling Karen
I was a kid heard her for the first time wow who is this changed my life
My dad would always play this record during Christmas 🎄 growing up, I love it
Because she wishes you Merry Christmas. Happy New Year, too!
Agreed. A hearty "thumbs up" for that.
Simple but pure
This song will never stop being my favorite Xmas song ❤
This is a good song anyway its done, Karen's powerful voice and the meaningful lyrics all come together to make pure magic, LOVE YOU KAREN, MERRY CHRISTMAS KAREN, you are the best thing that ever was given to the world! :)
Love the sonic clarity of this video:)
Very lovely songs for the Holidays!
a classic!
tiene magia! como todas las canciones de navidad de Karen Carpenters!!! muchas gracias Karen!!
Hola German! Sí, Karen y Richard eran músicos asombrosos e hicieron música muy hermosa. Soy feliz que tan mucha gente todavía goza el escuchar esta canción. Gracias por sus comentarios agradables. ¡Abrazos a usted! :)
I have that book too, one of the BEST music bios IMHO.
memories, sweet old memories
@OceanKingNY
Hey Ocean; thanks for the compliment; much appreciated. Of course you can borrow it. Thanks for sharing such a great song and video. She really does sound too beautiful for this world, doesn't she? Hugs to you and good health.
This song brings tears to the most macho guys out there
How very beautiful and oh so touching...thank you.
My favorite Christmas songs are nontraditional. This, along with Jim Croce's "It Doesn't Have to Be That Way" Top my list.
Ah, thank you so much for posting this song... Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from America!
Just a few more months and it's Christmas time again!!!! ^_^ Dude.... THANK YOU for posting this video and the other links to the other two preceding versions! :D
It's not Christmas until I hear this cut on WNNK, Harrisburg, PA. It's not Christmas anywhere, until anybody and everybody hears this record. Merry Christmas, Everybody ! 5-20-2011
Merry Christmas from Lithuania!
Arguably one of the top ten best female voices of al time.
I cried when I watched this video. My maternal grandmother passed away just a few days before Christmas 3 years ago. I feel sad that now I am married and have a good job, she is not here to celebrate it with me.
arguably one of the top five female vocalists of all time.
@vmuto1 Yes, I have wondered about any possible outtakes from the specials. In a radio interview promoting the "Christmas Portrait" album, Karen said that they had just done "The First Snowfall/Let It Snow" for a Christmas special. Does that mean that there's an unseen production number in the vault that was edited out of the broadcast version? Or did Karen mis-speak, and what she really meant was the "Winter Wonderland" medley? Who knows what videos might be sitting in the vault?
She always had such a beautiful voice.
Very well-said. I agree with you whole-heartedly. Miss you, Karen.
Yes, I think it was Ray Coleman who wrote that Karen often seemed to be singing to, and for, lonely people everywhere.
Thanks, Frank. Thanks and love, Karen.
@mctous1 Absolutely agree. The original 1970 version is the best. Karen's vocal is perfect, with just the right amount of emotional yearning to match Richard's melancholy arrangement. Why Karen wasn't satisfied with it, I will never comprehend. Her 1978 re-do is too sweet, as you say. She toned down the emotion and she just sounds too mellow on that version. This 1992 remix I don't like at all, but I thought people might want to hear it out of curiosity.
*Merry Christmas every day to my lovely wife Suzanne and my kitty Moonpie darlings!*
5/30/2020 My husband please remember this beautiful Christmas song I love you very much.❤💋
@FarrellAndFarrellFan Thanks for commenting, and give our best wishes to the Carpenter family.
I often wonder what it's like for Richard's kids. To them, he's just "Dad." It must be hard for them to imagine that at one time, he and their Aunt Karen (who they never knew) were world-famous pop stars.
@shyman99 I like the old classic washed out VHS recordings. They bring back warm nostalgia memories from the past. =)
that's good :)
think good thoughts
and happy holidays
@Zocawa You're welcome. Merry Christmas to you too!
Great job ocean king ny..we are all smiling and so is Karen.
I think Richard gets bored sometimes and misses working with Karen and plays around with their old stuff. I wish he would concentrate some time in to getting all of their TV specials out on DVD.
@scheckdj I wonder this all the time. What would it be like if she was still here with us. I absolutely love her voice and brings me to a level of comfort everytime I hear her. When she died I literally cried for two days straight. What a loss but thank goodness we have these recorded memories. To me, no one meets her level of poingnancy. I sure miss her!
Yeah, I'm not crazy about this mix either, but it's always interesting to hear another take. And this really makes you appreciate how perfect the original arrangement is.
Yes, I think you're right that Karen would have approved. As a drummer, she would no doubt have loved the more prominent rhythm track on this mix.
beautiful, beautiful, no words to describe her voice.JUDA59ful
@mctous1 I agree as well... Particulrly in a couple spots where Karen hits her lower regester in the original... The second "But" on BUT every day's a holiday.... and toward the end at the Happy New YEAR too.... Plus - overall - seems the original variation simply carries a more nostalgic feel. Sorry Karen!! ;) Thnaks tho for posting this version. I had never heard it. Can;t tell much of a difference - with the possible exception of RCs voice on the harmonized ending.... Thanks!
For me, Still the best Christmas song ever...