Podcast Summary: Christmas Sing With Bing (Aired 61-12-24)

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: Christmas Sing With Bing 61-12-24 07: 1st Song – Joy to the World
Date: December 8, 2025 (re-broadcast)

Overview

This festive radio special, presented by Bing Crosby and friends, celebrates the magic and tradition of Christmas through beloved carols and lighthearted conversation. Recorded on Christmas Eve as part of a long-running series, the program features spirited music, nostalgic family moments, and warm banter among legendary guests including Bing Crosby, Ken Carpenter, Jo Stafford, Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, Kathryn Crosby, Paul Weston, and the Norman Luboff Choir. Listeners are encouraged to join in the singalong from their own homes, fostering a sense of community and holiday cheer.

Key Discussion Points & Musical Highlights

Setting the Stage for Christmas (00:17–02:15)

• Opening Remarks: Bing Crosby and announcer Ken Carpenter welcome listeners, noting that Christmas is for "children, grown-ups, dogs, cats, even our parakeets."

  “Christmas is for everybody. In fact, Christmas is for all.”
  — Bing Crosby (01:30)

• The event is described as INA’s (Insurance Company of North America) seventh annual Christmas singalong.

• The Norman Luboff Choir opens with Happy Holiday (00:53), establishing a joyful tone.

Carol Singing and Festive Banter (02:15–04:55)

• Joy to the World: The first carol, led by Bing Crosby and the Norman Luboff Choir.

  “Let’s launch the first carol before we lose our enthusiasm. Joy to the world, all you carolers out there now.”
  — Bing Crosby (02:15)

• Bing and Ken joke about the rejuvenating magic of Christmas, claiming everyone is a child for the night.

• Bing and Ken reminisce about past Christmases and the show’s tradition.

Welcoming Guests (04:55–06:47)

• Meet the Carolers: Jo Stafford, Edgar Bergen, and his puppet Charlie McCarthy join the party, with Katherine (Kathryn) Crosby entering next.
• Touching moment as Jo Stafford sends get-well wishes to Rosemary Clooney, who is absent due to illness.
• Light-hearted rivalry and jokes between Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy amuse Bing and the audience.

Christmas Songs & Scenes (06:47–11:42)

• Winter Wonderland: Sung by Jo Stafford, with playful interjections by the cast.
• Conversation about differences in Christmas celebrations, especially the lack of snow in Hollywood, leads to:
• Deck the Halls: Another classic carol performed with energy by the group.

Holiday Traditions and Organization (11:42–14:44)

• Playful dialogue about holiday shopping chaos and the virtues of being “organized” or “disorganized” at Christmas.

  “Ah yes, it’s panic and plum pudding.”
  — Kathryn Crosby (14:06) “It’s chaos and candy cane turmoil and turkey.”
  — Charlie McCarthy (14:09)

• Ken Carpenter discusses INA’s insurance “package” policies, using Christmas as a metaphor.

Songs for Children & the Young at Heart (14:44–19:10)

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Dedicated to newly arrived children that year; Bing and Kathryn Crosby duet.

• Bing encourages listeners of all ages to join in:

  “I really hope that you’re getting into the spirit of this Christmas Sing. … Singing is a lot more fun than you’ll ever know. Unless you give it a whirl sometimes.”
  — Bing Crosby (16:42)

• The First Noel: Another singalong moment, inviting listeners to hum or tap along if they don’t know the words.

Christmas Hits Medley (19:10–26:28)

• Santa Claus Is Coming to Town / Silver Bells / Here Comes Santa Claus: Bing Crosby and Jo Stafford lead the choir in a medley of modern Christmas favorites, engaging in playful banter as reindeer.
• White Christmas—perhaps Bing’s most famous holiday song—is performed with heartfelt nostalgia.

  “May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be white.”
  — Bing Crosby, singing (24:51)

Traditions and Reflections (26:53–31:17)

• Praise for INA’s tradition, with a historical note on its founding in 1792.
• Bing introduces the imported St. Michael’s Choir from London, England, noting the blending of old and new Christmas traditions.
• Ding Dong Merrily on High: Sung by the St. Michael’s Choir, London.

Memorable Anecdotes & Humor (34:11–41:09)

• Edgar Bergen discusses being a new father, prompting Charlie McCarthy’s classic wisecracks.

  “Crosby’s a new father every year.”
  — Charlie McCarthy (34:36)

• Edgar shares a heartwarming, comical memory of Charlie’s jealousy over Edgar’s daughter, Candy, and their attempt to recite “The Night Before Christmas” with humorous improvisation.

• The segment exemplifies the blend of family memories, comedy, and warmth that define the program.

  “Don’t you get it, Bergen? We both know the darn thing.”
  — Charlie McCarthy (40:02)

Closing and Farewell Songs (41:09–48:08)

• Jingle Bells: Performed with energy, meant for the enjoyment of “grown-up children,” not just kids.
• Reflections on the role of community helpers and “Santa Clauses” in everyday life (INA agents).
• Silent Night: The classic carol closes the show, with the choir and hosts inviting all listeners to join in.

  “Time’s drawn to a close. One more Christmas Eve added to our long list of get-togethers...Will you all join me on our closing selection? And to me it’s the most fitting song of all to celebrate the festival of the birth of Christ.”
  — Bing Crosby (45:02)

Parting Words (47:15–48:08)

• Bing thanks all guests and listeners, sending warm holiday wishes.

  “From Edgar, Joe, Catherine, Paul Weston, Norman Luboff, Rosemary Clooney...from yours truly, Bing Crosby, the best of everything tomorrow and in the new year.”
  — Bing Crosby (47:21)

• He ends by quoting the London Daily Express:

  “There’s so little magic in the world. Let us encourage it in our children just as long as we can.”
  — Bing Crosby (47:58)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Christmas Spirit:

“Christmas time is a great rejuvenator, isn’t it?” — Bing Crosby (01:22)
“All of God’s children are basking in the benefits of the season.” — Ken Carpenter (01:44)

On Family Christmas Traditions:

“It’s chaos and candy cane turmoil and turkey.” — Charlie McCarthy (14:09)

On the Community of Listeners:

“Singing is a lot more fun than you’ll ever know. Unless you give it a whirl sometimes.” — Bing Crosby (16:42)
“We all miss you.” (To Rosemary Clooney, absent) — Bing Crosby (05:10)

On Holiday Organization:

“Christmas is something that never gets done until it’s done.” — Bing Crosby (11:57)

On Tradition and Legacy:

“This is the seventh year that I’ve been singing on Christmas Eve for the Insurance Company of North America. Now that’s tradition.” — Bing Crosby (27:32)

On Magic of Christmas:

“There’s so little magic in the world. Let us encourage it in our children just as long as we can.” — Bing Crosby quoting London Daily Express (47:58)

Timeline of Major Segments

| Time | Segment/Event | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | Official welcome; description of show’s purpose | | 00:53 | Opening carol: “Happy Holiday” | | 02:15 | “Joy to the World” led by Bing and choir | | 04:55 | Arrival of guests and greetings | | 06:47 | Jo Stafford sings “Winter Wonderland” | | 10:36 | “Deck the Halls” singalong | | 14:44 | “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” | | 16:42 | Bing’s invitation for listeners to join in the singing | | 17:21 | “The First Noel” | | 19:10 | Medley: “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” etc. | | 23:42 | “White Christmas” | | 27:06 | Praise for tradition and introduction of St. Michael’s Choir| | 28:47 | Jo Stafford sings “The Christmas Song” | | 31:17 | “Ding Dong Merrily On High” by St. Michael’s Choir | | 34:11 | Comedy routine: “The Night Before Christmas” recitation | | 41:31 | “Jingle Bells” | | 45:23 | “Silent Night” and closing segment | | 47:15 | Bing’s final words and holiday wishes |

Tone & Style

The episode exudes a nostalgic, cozy, and familial atmosphere, rich in classic mid-century banter and sentiment. Bing Crosby’s laid-back charm anchors the cast’s lighthearted jokes and gentle ribbing, all the while fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness among guests and listeners. The episode interweaves humor, sentiment, and musical excellence, celebrating the timeless traditions and simple joys of Christmas.

For Those Who Haven’t Listened

This is a quintessential holiday radio special, evocative of a bygone era when families gathered around the radio for music, laughter, and stories. Perfect for fans of classic American music, old-time radio, or anyone looking to experience the warmth, camaraderie, and magic of Christmas through song and storytelling.

Recommended Highlights:

• “Joy to the World” kickoff (02:15)
• The comedic exchange between Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy (06:10, 34:11)
• Bing and Jo Stafford’s Christmas hits medley (19:10)
• “White Christmas” for pure nostalgia (23:42)
• The humorous retelling of “The Night Before Christmas” (36:38)
• Soulful closing with “Silent Night” (45:23)

“There’s so little magic in the world. Let us encourage it in our children just as long as we can.” — Bing Crosby (47:58)

Merry Christmas from the cast of Christmas Sing with Bing!