My son is descended from a long line of ultra-orthodox Jews. I wonder what his ancestors from the shtetls of Poland would think of his latest performance as the Baby Jesus? Oh, relax…while I considered going whole hog and creating a life-sized nativity scene for the following video, I ran out of time and simply placed Charlie in a Moses basket to simulate the manger. As if to punish me for my sacrilege, our Jewish pit bull Emma destroyed the basket a few hours later in a fit of righteous indignation.
Every year Neil Kramer creates an online holiday music festival on his blog, Citizen of the Month. It's a wonderful event and I’ve always contributed Hanukkah songs to the concert. But this year, even with Orrin Hatch’s new addition, I couldn’t find a decent ditty about the Maccabees or the Festival of Lights that I cared to record. I also wanted something that would incorporate the new addition to our family. So I jumped across the aisle and sang one of my favorite carols from childhood. There are about a trillion versions of this song floating around, from the David Bowie/Bing Crosby duet I recently posted to versions by everyone from the Trapp Family Singers to Marlene Dietrich to Jessica Simpson. Bob Dylan just recorded a version of the song on his brand new album, “Christmas from the Heart.” Really, Bob? I thought you decided you were Jewish again. (Oy, I should talk.)
Of course the 1968 Rankin-Bass TV special was a holiday staple throughout my childhood. Narrated by Greer Garson, the show featured the Vienna Boys’ Choir singing the popular song. In our video version, Charlie, Leah, and I get help from the Walton kids (yes, those Waltons!) who recorded their own version of the tune years ago.
Enjoy! (And forgive me, ancestors!)
I'm speechless and giggling and verklempt. Loved the video. Stealing content from the Internets and posting on my blog and there's nothing you can do about it. It was perfect.
Posted by: Erica M | December 17, 2009 at 11:43 AM
SOOOOO beautiful!!! LOVE your choice of Mary in the song. And what a smile on your baby boy!!
Posted by: Danusia | December 17, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Charlie sooooo needs this shirt: http://www.zazzle.com/im_cuter_than_baby_jesus_t_shirt-235382509136288100
Posted by: Sarah | December 17, 2009 at 12:03 PM
I spent the first two minutes or so thinking, "What a nut!" (in a nice way of course). Then burst into fits of laughter at Mary. Still smiling. :)
Happy holidays!
Posted by: Rurality | December 17, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Thnks for fulfilling my need to be Christian at Christmas time ..... I feel a lot better now and am going back to being Jewish .... gotta run - have to light my Chanukah candles now!
Love,
Bubba Marilyn
Posted by: Marilyn Molnar | December 17, 2009 at 12:32 PM
That was great! A little unexpected to see you in a Santa's hat but I've got a huge smile on my face right now.
And bonus points for including Animal!
Posted by: Jeff | December 17, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Loved it!
Posted by: laurie | December 17, 2009 at 01:54 PM
Posted it on my Facebook page. Too precious not to spread around.
xoxo
Fake Grandma
Posted by: Elaine Soloway | December 17, 2009 at 02:00 PM
Bravo! Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Melinda | December 17, 2009 at 04:07 PM
please do a rant! you are an actor! ox,m
Posted by: m.yahn | December 17, 2009 at 04:22 PM
A new holiday classic!!!!
Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Julia Adams | December 17, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Make more! Make more!
Posted by: Julie R. | December 17, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Thanks, Danny. This is great.
Posted by: Wanda | December 17, 2009 at 07:55 PM
LOL. That's my least favorite Christmas song. But, your video did a great job getting me through it.
Leah has "It." She definitely has a future in front of the camera.
Happy holidays to you all.
--Gordon
Posted by: Gordon | December 17, 2009 at 08:02 PM
I feel like "stealing" it too. What a joy.
Posted by: amba | December 17, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Wonderful! Thanks for doing this. You know, they don't seem to show that Little Drummer Boy from 1968 any longer, but they still show everything else. Charlie looks great as always. So do you and Leah.
Posted by: Pam G | December 18, 2009 at 03:51 AM
Danny. Just when I think you can't do it any better you post something hilariously wonderful like this that tops anything you've previously created. Thank you. Happy holidays to you and your fabulous family!
Posted by: Wendy Oborne | December 18, 2009 at 06:22 AM
AWwww. That's so sweet. I love it that you used the Waltons to accompany. The Homecoming was one of my favorite Christmas movies when I was a kid.
Posted by: churlita | December 18, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Very Very Sweet...! And HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all of you, too.
Posted by: OldOldLady Of The Hills | December 18, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Love, love, love! And of course, laughter. I love catching up on the chronicles of life in the Miller household, and I miss Charlie so much. He's just in my heart, always.
Posted by: Jane | December 18, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I love this. Love!
Posted by: Laura Jayne | December 18, 2009 at 11:52 AM
This made me smile, laugh, and then cry. So wonderful, thank you for sharing it! Happy...Christmahanukwanzaakah to all of you!
Posted by: Val | December 18, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Found you through Fringes, so cute and sweet! Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Erica | December 18, 2009 at 06:14 PM
Absolutely wonderful!! The video made me smile and laugh, and even tear up when I saw you holding little Charlie in your arms while singing. What a wonderful family you have, and I wish all of you the happiest of holidays!
Having followed your journey with little Charlie, to see him in this video with you and Leah, looking so healthy and precious (thank G-d), makes me happy beyond words!
Posted by: Elise | December 18, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I viewed your video originally on Neil's site with my 4YO son standing beside me. He kept saying, "Awww. So cute."
Great job on the video! Leah's SO pretty, and Charlie remains one of the cutest babies I've ever seen. Truly!
Posted by: Chris | December 19, 2009 at 08:04 AM
You are cracking me up.
Please make it stop.
Very good Danny. Jana loved the pic of charlie and the dog. She is looking after him.
Happy holidays to you guys
Posted by: [email protected] | December 19, 2009 at 03:07 PM
This definitely was the best video I have seen!!! Charlie is absolutely adorable and Leah is so pretty. Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday season and new year! You look great in a Santa hat!!!
Love, Arlene
Posted by: arlene andresens | December 19, 2009 at 10:06 PM
That was simply awesome. Thank you.
Posted by: elizabeth | December 19, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Danny, Hope you're feeling better. Lisa, Tracy and I watched this together (2 1/2 times) at the end of my last evening in LA. So sorry to miss you & yours but thanks for giving us this hoot!
Sue
Posted by: Sue Katz | December 20, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Danny - I don't even know what to say . . . I think you missed your calling, but it's not too late!!! Love it love it and love all of you!
(and my usual ps: what vessel will you place Charlie in for New Year's, Valentine's Day and Purim? You've got me thinking . . .)
Posted by: Amadaes | December 22, 2009 at 01:05 AM
i am the jewish grandmother that sent an email when charlie was in the hospital from s.w. florida...i watched the video and i cried for 3 minutes and 24 seconds except when i saw that big grin on charlies face...so glad i was able to see that wonderful family rendition...a happy and healthy new year for your whole family...
marjorie d.
Posted by: marjorie d. | December 22, 2009 at 08:35 PM
little man is simply adorable. adorable indeed!
Posted by: gorillabuns | December 24, 2009 at 08:16 PM