An Old Christmas Classic
Just in time for the holidays, I’m posting a link/image - a clickable “gift” – of an old Christmas classic that you won’t want to miss.
This original rendition of “Donde Esta Santa Claus?” is a delightful “south-of-the-border” melody, co-written and composed by Rod Parker, a writer and friend that I worked for in Los Angeles.
Originally sung by twelve-year-old Augie Rios, it was released by Metro Records in 1958 and became an instant hit.
Every year during the holidays, Rod would have it playing in our offices and was always happy to perform it – on demand.
And by perform, I mean – keep reading.
Holiday Revue
Proudly, he kept his seasonal holiday debut a secret.
He may have been able to fool some people and I’m sure he did, but I was his “Gal Friday,” and I had a calendar, so despite LA’s warm weather and bright lights, I knew this “spectacular” would happen no earlier than the day after Thanksgiving, and, no later than the day we would shut down the production offices to leave for the holiday.
Nothin’ got past me.
And, I checked the calendar!
At some point, when Rod knew I was sitting at my office desk, which was directly across from his office door, he’d attempt a dramatic entrance by trying to “throw” his door open over carpeting that was more like a door stopper with show stopping aspirations.
But the show must go on.
With his stereo remote control in one hand, a pair of castanets in the other, and a Christmas cap on his head, he excitedly announced:
“No reason for anyone to be blue about Christmas now!”
Then, in a “self-directive” tone, say:
“Cue Song.”
Without turning around, he pointed the remote behind his head, cued the song, and started singing and dancing to the clicks of castanets.
On my laugh (He was a comedy writer, so he had to wait for it) he’d add his heels to the “click-mix” and continue his song and dance routine.
And by song and dance, I mean – he would click and hop on his heels in short staccato steps to the quick, syncopated rhythms of “Donde Esta Santa Claus?” shouting: “Oh-Pancho-Oh-Vixen-Oh-Pedro-Oh-Blitzen-Ole-Ole-Ole!”
The Finale
Rod sang, hopped and clicked, until the music pulsed to its final rest.
Like any good artist, he knew how to – wait-for-it.
Then, graciously, he took his bow.
And clicked.
Twice – heels first, castanets second!
Whispering and whistling in the mocked tones of his would be adoring fans; I cupped my hands and cheered: “Muy Bien, Muy Bien!”
When Does the Spirit of Christmas Arrive?
You know.
That’s part of the magic.
When you least expect it – it’s there inside of you suddenly – just the way you wished it would be.
You feel it.
How Do You Know When Santa Has Arrived?
You don’t. Duh.
That’s part of the magic too.
Now, if you’ll exscoooze-a-may, I have a sign to put up – on my rooftop.
Cue Goat:
Christmas Eve Night – Interior and Exterior Home – Twilight
The neighborhood is quiet.
Organic carob cookies and carrots have been left on a kitchen counter with a glass of goat’s milk for Santa. (Note to self: Make that enough goat milk for all the reindeer – Rudolph, too. And make sure goat milks itself. Don’t let some other goat do it. Darn goat unions.)
Goat: (Exhaaaaausted, she sets her “Mothers milk” on the kitchen table.) “Baaaaaaaaaaa Humbug.” (It’s a mean hungry goat - its outta milk.)
Parents are nestling and snuggling their little angels to sleep in their beds.
In hushed, lullaby-like tones, they read aloud… and in unison – no, make that every other page they alternate reading out loud…
…”Twas the Night before Christmas, when the neighbor’s cat – no, scratch the cat… not a creature was stirring and all the stockings are already hung… yeah – much better…
…And a soft, white blanket of snow softly falls over a nondescript neighborhood house known in the “hood” as the “Humor Me at This House, Please.”
As the camera closes in on the “House in need of Humor,” we see a strange-shaped object on the roof.
Closing in on a close-up of a close-up – if that’s even possible – the strange object is identified.
“It” is a “she” and she is the “Mommy of the house” in need of some humor. (Clearly, Mommy needs her stocking stuffed with laughs.)
As the camera pulls back, she has just finished putting up an unlit, neon sign.
Cue Neon Lights:
Still on the rooftop, “Mommy,” takes her kerchief off her head, wipes her brow and takes a step back to admire her handy work and with no apparent electricity, her sign magically lights up.
And blinks:
“Hey Fatso, why don’t you park the reindeer first, then get outta your sleigh this year?!”
Pleased with herself, she dusts the snow from her “mittened” hands and smirks with satisfaction.
Cue Snow Blizzard.
And To All A Good Night
Keep your nuts roasting, your halls decked, your Yule logs burning, and, for goodness sake, don’t forget to hang some mistletoe in front of your own mirror this week…
…Remember to snap magical “memory” pictures of those moments that only your heart can see.
And I hope you get your stockings stuffed.
With lots of laughs.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Feliz Navidad, Ommmmmmmm, Thank You, Mary, and Thank You, Baby Jesus!
To hear “Donde Esta Santa Claus?” click image below:
Donde Esta Santa Claus? (click image to play)
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Click here for more info about “Donde Esta Santa Claus?/Augie Rios/Metro Records or Rod Parker/Sheet Music: “Donde Esta Santa Claus?”
{ 4 comments }
Ha! Ha! Ha! I just listened to the wonderful song for the first time. Enjoyed the story and the music and remember Rod Parker (heart this)
Isn’t it such a great song?! What a wonderful time that was with Rod! Thanks for reading and laughing! xo
Never heard this song before…looking for fatty on the roof right now!
I think I see him skating on the Ndukwu’s pool! Poor guy – it’s not even frozen solid yet!