“Merry Christmas Darling” by The Carpenters

Picture sleeve for the U.S. vinyl single, “Merry Christmas Darling,” produced by A&M Records

No matter what your age, there is no doubt you are familiar with one of the most-beloved holiday songs, “Merry Christmas Darling” by The Carpenters. Released in 1970, this song was their first attempt at Christmas music; reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Christmas chart. More than 50 years later, this timeless classic can still be heard countless times on radio stations and overhead in supermarkets and shopping malls across the globe.

The brother and sister musical duo, Richard and Karen Carpenter, are one of the most successful recording acts of all time. The Carpenters sold over 100 million records worldwide and still hold the record for the most consecutive top-ten singles. Lead vocalist, Karen Carpenter, died at the age of 32 from heart failure caused by anorexia nervosa. Her untimely death put a spotlight on a disease otherwise not spoken about much at that time.

Pop culture and lifestyle online magazine, Parade, included “Merry Christmas Darling” in their recent article highlighting “25 Sad Christmas Songs for When You Don’t Feel Like ‘Joy to the World.’” The song is about wishing you could spend Christmas with someone you love while knowing you will be physically apart. The lyrics lend to the grief many families may feel during the holidays while missing a departed loved one.

Greeting cards have all been sent
The Christmas rush is through
But I still have one wish to make
A special one for you
Merry Christmas, darling
We’re apart, that’s true

But I can dream and in my dreams
I’m Christmasing with you
Holidays are joyful
There’s always something new
But every day’s a holiday
When I’m near to you

The lyrics for “Merry Christmas Darling” were written by Frank Pooler, a choral director at California State University-Long Beach where Karen and Richard attended school in the 1960s. Pooler had written the song as a teenager years prior for a girl he once loved, though he never presented them to her. Those unrequited words sat dormant for years until The Carpenters later asked him for ideas to record their first holiday song.

Karen and Richard Carpenter

It took Richard only 15 minutes to write the musical composition for these lyrics. “Merry Christmas Darling” was later included on The Carpenters’ platinum album, “Christmas Portrait,” in 1978. Pooler eventually tracked down that teen heart throb to let her know this song was once meant for her. It is reported that she treasures this notion.

An official authorized biography was released November 2021, “Carpenters: The Musical Legacy.” In it, Richard Carpenter shares that Karen was always in the Christmas spirit. Richard is quoted to say of himself and Karen, “We felt like we were born to perform Christmas music.”

Karen Carpenter has a way of making you feel like “Merry Christmas Darling” is being sung just for you.

The lights on my tree, I wish you could see
I wish it every day
Logs on the fire fill me with desire
To see you and to say

That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy new year too
I’ve just one wish on this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you

Although it has been nearly 40 years since The Carpenters have performed, fans can enjoy a live recreation of their music today. “We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered” is a touring company that performs and honors their cherished music in venues across the country since 2019. The band recreates The Carpenters’ sound with new arrangements. You can check out their upcoming performances, including the “Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas” tour that resumes every holiday season.

Several artists have recorded their own versions of “Merry Christmas Darling” for your enjoyment, including Amy Grant, Boyz II Men, and Chicago.