It's the Little Saint Nick. Review on Beach Boys' Christmas Album - The Beach Boys

Who but the Beach Boys would turn Santa's sleigh into a hot rod? I first got the Beach Boys Christmas Album as a young teen. Over the years I replaced the 33 rpm album with a tape and finally a CD. It's still one of our favorites.

For many of the songs on this album, the group is backed by an orchestra. Included in the collection are a number of traditional holiday songs- White Christmas, I'll be Home for Christmas , Auld Lang Syne , Blue Christmas etc. All done with the harmonies the Beach Boys are so well known for. There are also cute versions of Frosty and Santa Claus is Coming to Town .

What makes this album unique are the five songs written by Brian Wilson. They range from the teeny bopper oriented Merry Christmas Baby typical of the early Beach Boys to Santa's Beard -the tale of a little boy who yanks the beard on a department store Santa. Christmas Day is a simple statement of the joy of the holiday. (''I''ll never outgrow the thrill of Christmas Day''). The Man with All the Toys is pure Brian Wilson.

Last but not least-the Brian Wilson holiday song that became a true hit. The Little Saint Nick -is imaginative and fun. Santa's sleigh-''candy apple red with a ski for a wheel''

Add a little fun and a little nostalgia to your Christmas celebrations-pull out the Beach Boys Christmas Album and join in the chorus-''run, run reindeer''