The Osmonds – Pine Cones And Holly Berries

“Pine Cones and Holly Berries” is a Christmas song that is often performed as a medley with the more widely known “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Both songs were written by Meredith Willson.

Willson, an American composer, songwriter, and playwright, is perhaps best known for writing the music and lyrics for the 1957 Broadway musical The Music Man. He also composed other well-known songs like “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Till There Was You.”

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” was written in 1951. The song gained popularity through Perry Como’s recording, but it was Bing Crosby’s version that became a classic. Willson later incorporated the song into his 1963 Broadway musical Here’s Love, which was based on the film Miracle on 34th Street. Within this musical, Willson introduced “Pine Cones and Holly Berries” as a counterpoint melody to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”

The Osmonds, a popular American family music group, included a medley of “Pine Cones and Holly Berries” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” on their 1976 album Osmond Christmas Album. The album featured all seven performing members of the Osmond family and included a mix of original songs, traditional carols, and secular Christmas standards. The Osmonds’ version of the medley has contributed to the continued popularity of “Pine Cones and Holly Berries,” often introducing listeners to the lesser-known tune within the familiar context of the Christmas season. The combination of the two songs creates a rich and festive musical experience.