This was a joy to read. The essay strikes that rare balance between musical analysis and emotional clarity, showing why the Carpenters’ Christmas recordings resonate beyond nostalgia. You articulate their craft with real affection but never lose sight of the discipline, taste, and sensitivity that gave their work so much staying power.
What stood out most was the way you wove their influences into the broader story without ever weighing the piece down—Rundgren, Sedaka, Steely Dan, the Wrecking Crew—each reference adding context to what Karen and Richard were building. And your reflections on Christmas Portrait in particular capture exactly why so many of us still reach for it the moment December arrives.
A lovely, thoughtful piece that honours both their artistry and the emotional truth they carried into every seasonal recording.
I’ve come down with three cases of hives in my life — and the first (and worst) hit me while watching the Carpenters’ Christmas Special in 1977. While it may have been caused by an allergic reaction to the piece of holiday cake I was eating at the time, I’ve instinctively avoided their Christmas recordings ever since. So it’s no small praise when I say that this piece is the first thing that’s ever made me want to revisit them!
Absolutely delightful, Robert. The sensibilities of The Carpenters--Karen's melisma, Richard's arrangements--fit Xmas music so well and you capture the how and why of it that reminded me why I love that first album and scrambling to hear it in a new light.
I’m with you Robert. The Christmas Portrait album by the Carpenters is outstanding. One track after another. I also loved that they included the lovely song “ Little Altar Boy”. Karen’s voice is perfect for it, and it’s a Xmas tune you just don’t hear often enough.
I was at a Christmas party last night with a piano player in attendance. I requested "Merry Christmas Darling" and he played it! Everyone knew, if nothing else, the chorus! Such a great song!
Grew up with the Carpenters and they are an essential part of the Christmas season for me, but I hadn't heard all of these songs. Thanks for this post, really enjoyed your takes on the songs. Looking forward to the next one.
Her brother is one of the more loathsome creatures ever to slither into the pop zeitgeist.
(Before anyone thinks I’m blaming him for her death: no, sibling relationships are complicated. It’s easy to say what he SHOULD have done, but she wasn’t your sister and you weren’t there.)
This was a joy to read. The essay strikes that rare balance between musical analysis and emotional clarity, showing why the Carpenters’ Christmas recordings resonate beyond nostalgia. You articulate their craft with real affection but never lose sight of the discipline, taste, and sensitivity that gave their work so much staying power.
What stood out most was the way you wove their influences into the broader story without ever weighing the piece down—Rundgren, Sedaka, Steely Dan, the Wrecking Crew—each reference adding context to what Karen and Richard were building. And your reflections on Christmas Portrait in particular capture exactly why so many of us still reach for it the moment December arrives.
A lovely, thoughtful piece that honours both their artistry and the emotional truth they carried into every seasonal recording.
Many thanks, Howard, for this wonderful and generous comment.
I would love to hear the Carpenters version of “Dr. Wu” ! 😀
Me too!
I’ve come down with three cases of hives in my life — and the first (and worst) hit me while watching the Carpenters’ Christmas Special in 1977. While it may have been caused by an allergic reaction to the piece of holiday cake I was eating at the time, I’ve instinctively avoided their Christmas recordings ever since. So it’s no small praise when I say that this piece is the first thing that’s ever made me want to revisit them!
I take it as a very high compliment, Dan! Thank you!
Been listening to that album for decades now. Maybe I’ll pull my copy off the shelf and listen to it again very soon.
I hope so!
Absolutely delightful, Robert. The sensibilities of The Carpenters--Karen's melisma, Richard's arrangements--fit Xmas music so well and you capture the how and why of it that reminded me why I love that first album and scrambling to hear it in a new light.
Thanks, Emm, for the kind comment - appreciate it.
I’m with you Robert. The Christmas Portrait album by the Carpenters is outstanding. One track after another. I also loved that they included the lovely song “ Little Altar Boy”. Karen’s voice is perfect for it, and it’s a Xmas tune you just don’t hear often enough.
Glen Campbell's recording from 1968 of it is also excellent.
I was at a Christmas party last night with a piano player in attendance. I requested "Merry Christmas Darling" and he played it! Everyone knew, if nothing else, the chorus! Such a great song!
It's a beautiful song - its' status as a classic is well-deserved.
Grew up with the Carpenters and they are an essential part of the Christmas season for me, but I hadn't heard all of these songs. Thanks for this post, really enjoyed your takes on the songs. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you, Ellen, and happy listening!
You must be one of the few. Saccharine music.
To each his or her own.
Her brother is one of the more loathsome creatures ever to slither into the pop zeitgeist.
(Before anyone thinks I’m blaming him for her death: no, sibling relationships are complicated. It’s easy to say what he SHOULD have done, but she wasn’t your sister and you weren’t there.)