It is Christmas time and whilst I have never been a lover of many of the traditions surrounding this feast that are associated with a cold climate, e.g. plum pudding, mince tarts, eggnog and hot roast dinners on a sweltering summer day (in Australia), there are some things I do love and one of them is this Friday’s favourite song:
Walking in the Air by Howard Blake
This song is featured in the short film called The Snowman, about a young boy who befriends the Snowman in his yard and together they share a wonderful Christmas adventure before the harsh reality of daylight sets in. This song plays during their magical journey together.
This delightful and seasonal short film was based upon the children’s book by Raymond Briggs. In the film the song was performed by a young English choirboy called Peter Auty [1] rather than the famous Welsh Chorister, Aled Jones, to whom it is generally accredited.
I discovered this short film and haunting theme song when I was experiencing my first white Christmas, complete with all those traditional trimmings, in 1986. I went to stay with my former flatmate and her family in Hull, Yorkshire in England. They welcomed me and my fiance with open arms, warm hearts and plenty of food.
I bought the DVD of the movie when my daughter was young and we play it every Christmas eve – it is probably the only Christmas tradition I have imposed upon her.
Two years ago we were in London just before Christmas time and we were delighted to find there was a musical production of The Snowman; so of course we went along to see it (and I took some sneaky photos).
So I will be watching the film tomorrow evening, hopefully sipping on something a little festive and wishing all my readers, and friends and families, a very Merry Christmas whether you be in a cold climate or a stinking hot one like mine will be this year.
There will be one more Favourite Song Friday for this year (stay tuned next week) and then I shall start something new next year.
Merry Christmas from Life in Camelot.
Life In Camelot - travel blog 
Reblogged this on Life In Camelot and commented:
Ah, it is that time of year again and The Snowman flies at night.
If you’ve never been touched by the charm and youthful nostalgia this short, iconic film offer now is the time: