- There are moments that we will remember our entire lives.

These moments spent with friends and family are a cherished part of the human experience.

And for some reason it seems like these moments are a lot easier to find this time of year.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, grab your eggnog, start roasting those chestnuts, and let's celebrate together.

It's "The Chardon Polka Band's Holiday Extravaganza," a festive and unforgettable musical experience.

Featuring performances by Brave Combo, (cheerful upbeat music) Pomplamoose, (cheerful upbeat music continues) Delfeayo Marsalis and The Uptown Jazz Orchestra, The Puppini Sisters, (cheerful upbeat music continues) The Chardon Polka Band, and many more.

Sit back and enjoy some polka-rific sounds of the season.

Hi, I'm Jake Kouwe from The Chardon Polka Band, and I will be your host for this holiday hootenanny.

(cheerful upbeat music) This program is going to feature polka arrangements of some of your very favorite Christmas songs, and we've also invited some truly unique and amazing musicians to celebrate with us.

Folks, it's gonna get eclectic, it's gonna get fun, and it's gonna get festive.

Now let's raise a toast together as we sing a song that proudly announces "Christmas Time Is Here."

(bright music) (cheerful upbeat music) (cheerful upbeat music continues) (energetic cheerful upbeat music) ♪ Oh, once again the time of year ♪ ♪ To spread the love and spread the cheer ♪ ♪ And maybe drink some Christmas beer ♪ ♪ 'Cause Christmastime is here ♪ Take a look outside ♪ Hey, is that snow ♪ Grab your coat and hat and away we'll go ♪ ♪ And we'll take a step under some mistletoe ♪ ♪ 'Cause Christmastime is here ♪ Once again the time of year ♪ To spread the love and spread the cheer ♪ ♪ And maybe drink some Christmas beer ♪ ♪ 'Cause Christmastime is here ♪ The family's coming over ♪ All our friends are in town ♪ We'll go caroling, then make a joyful sound ♪ ♪ We'll grab some eggnog and we'll pass it around ♪ ♪ 'Cause Christmastime is here (cheerful upbeat music) ♪ Once again the time of year ♪ To spread the love and spread the cheer ♪ ♪ And maybe drink some Christmas beer ♪ ♪ 'Cause Christmastime is here (cheerful upbeat music continues) (cheerful upbeat music continues) (energetic cheerful upbeat music) ♪ So grab your tinsel and then trim that tree ♪ ♪ Hang up those lights so that all might see ♪ ♪ And come dance the Christmas polka with me ♪ ♪ 'Cause Christmastime is here ♪ Oh, once again the time of year ♪ ♪ To spread the love and spread the cheer ♪ ♪ And maybe drink some Christmas beer ♪ ♪ 'Cause Christmastime is here ♪ Oh, once again the time of year ♪ ♪ To spread the love and spread the cheer ♪ ♪ And maybe drink some Christmas beer ♪ ♪ 'Cause Christmastime is here (cheerful upbeat music) Many of life's greatest moments are so special because we get to share them with others.

And I am elated that we get to share a few moments with this next group.

They're a vocal trio from the United Kingdom.

Let's get cozy around the fire with The Puppini Sisters.

(group vocalizing) (bright upbeat music) ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪ Jingle all the way ♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪ Jingle all the way ♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪ Mm, dashing through the snow ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪ O'er the fields we go ♪ Laughing all the way ♪ Bells on bobtails ring ♪ Making our spirits bright ♪ What fun it is to ride and sing ♪ ♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪ Jingle all the way ♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪ Jingle all the way ♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪ Hey (bright upbeat music) ♪ Ooh ♪ Yee-Ha (bright upbeat music continues) (group vocalizing) (drumsticks strumming) (vocalist exclaims) - Yes, Speedy.

(group vocalizing) (bright upbeat music) (drumsticks strumming) (group vocalizing) (bright upbeat music) (drumsticks strumming) (vocalist exclaims) (group vocalizing) (bright upbeat music) (upbeat music) ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪ Jingle all the way ♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪ Jingle all the way ♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪ In a one-horse open sleigh (group vocalizing) (bright upbeat music) ♪ Hey - Oh my goodness, the utterly delightful and deliriously beautiful Puppini Sisters from the United Kingdom.

Now whether or not you're traveling by one-horse open sleigh or some other form of transportation, the idea of a holiday journey is one we see repeated again and again.

And our next tune is about an epic Christmas journey indeed.

The travels of Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, the three kings.

(bright music) (energetic bright upbeat music) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) ♪ We three kings of orient ♪ Are bearing gifts ♪ We travel so far ♪ Field and fountain ♪ Moor and mountain ♪ Following yonder star ♪ O star of wonder ♪ Star of night ♪ Star with royal beauty bright ♪ ♪ Westward leading, still proceeding ♪ ♪ Guide us to thy perfect light ♪ ♪ Glorious now behold Him arise ♪ ♪ King and God and sacrifice ♪ Hallelujah, hallelujah ♪ Peals through the Earth and sky ♪ ♪ Oh, oh, star of wonder ♪ Star of night ♪ Star with royal beauty bright ♪ ♪ Westward leading, still proceeding ♪ ♪ Guide us to thy perfect light ♪ (bright upbeat music) - When I was growing up, our family would gather around the television and watch reruns of the "Lawrence Welk" program.

As a kid, I would absolutely love to see the variety of instruments that they featured on that show.

And now that I have kids of my own, I am so excited to share my passion for music with both of them.

And while we still watch reruns of the "Lawrence Welk" program in the Kouwe house, we also like to share contemporary music with our kids, and one of the bands we show them is one of the greatest bands that the 21st century has given us.

They're called Pomplamoose.

Just like the "Lawrence Welk Show" did in their time, Pomplamoose features a variety of musical instruments that fill my kids with wonder.

I love this band, my kids love this band, and you guys are gonna love Pomplamoose.

(bright music) - Hey, Jake.

- Hey, Jake.

- Thanks, we're Pomplamoose and this is "Let It Snow," from our album "Winter Wishes."

- And this song is especially meaningful to me because when I was a kid, I remember sitting at the piano with my mom and singing it around Christmastime.

So yeah, I hope you enjoy our version of it.

♪ Oh, the weather outside is frightful ♪ ♪ But the fire is so delightful ♪ ♪ And since we've no place to go ♪ ♪ Let it snow ♪ Let it snow, let it snow ♪ It doesn't show signs of stopping ♪ ♪ And I've bought some corn for popping ♪ ♪ The lights are turned way down low ♪ ♪ Let it snow ♪ Let it snow, let it snow ♪ When we finally kiss goodnight ♪ ♪ How I'll hate going out in the storm ♪ ♪ But if you really hold me tight ♪ ♪ All the way home I'll be warm ♪ ♪ The fire is slowly dying ♪ And my dear, we're still good-bying ♪ ♪ But as long as you love me so ♪ ♪ Let it snow ♪ Let it snow, let it snow (gentle bright music) (gentle upbeat music) ♪ Let it snow ♪ Let it snow, let it snow ♪ When we finally kiss goodnight ♪ ♪ How I'll hate going out in the storm ♪ ♪ But if you really hold me tight ♪ ♪ All the way home I'll be warm ♪ ♪ The fire is slowly dying ♪ And my dear, we're still good-bying ♪ ♪ But as long as you love me so ♪ ♪ Let it snow ♪ Let it snow, let it snow ♪ Let it snow ♪ Let it snow, let it snow ♪ Let it snow ♪ Let it snow, let it snow (gentle serene music) - And perhaps no one embodies the joy and wonderment of the holiday season more than children.

And these are my kids, Benjamin and Luke.

They're twin boys and this is my beautiful wife, Emily.

- Hi, everyone.

- (chuckles) Guys, what are you looking forward to this holiday?

- Cookies.

(Benjamin babbles) - Cookies?

- Cookies and what?

(Benjamin babbles) That's his word for blueberries.

- Cookies and blueberries.

- A Kouwe Christmas tradition, that's right.

(Emily chuckles) All right, this next one is called "Joy To The World."

(bright music) (bright upbeat music) (bright upbeat music continues) ♪ Joy to the world ♪ The Lord is come ♪ Let Earth receive her king ♪ Let every heart prepare him room ♪ ♪ And heaven and nature sing ♪ - And heaven and nature sing ♪ - And heaven and nature sing ♪ - And heaven and nature sing ♪ - And heaven and heaven ♪ And nature sing ♪ Oh, joy to the world, the Savior reigns ♪ ♪ Let men his songs employ ♪ While fields and floods ♪ Rocks, hills and plains ♪ Repeat the sounding joy ♪ - Repeat the sounding joy ♪ - Repeat the sounding joy ♪ - Repeat the sounding joy ♪ - Repeat the sounding joy ♪ Repeat, repeat the sounding joy ♪ (bright upbeat music continues) (bright upbeat music continues) ♪ He rules the world with truth and grace ♪ ♪ And makes the nations prove ♪ The glories of his righteousness ♪ ♪ And wonders of his love ♪ - And wonders of his love ♪ - And wonders of his love ♪ - And wonders of his love ♪ And wonders ♪ Wonders of his love ♪ And wonders, wonders of his love ♪ ♪ And wonders, wonders of his love ♪ - There are a number of different holidays you could be celebrating right now.

But no matter what it is you celebrate, or who you celebrate with, I think we can all agree that this is a most wonderful time of the year.

And here to share in that sentiment is accordion player Alicia Jo Straka from Colorado.

(bright music) - Hi, my name's Alicia Jo Straka, and I love the holidays because I think the music is so cheerful and I love to bake Christmas cookies.

Please enjoy my rendition of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

(bright upbeat music) ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year") ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" continues) ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" continues) ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" continues) ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" continues) ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" continues) ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" continues) ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" continues) ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" continues) ("It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" continues) - Once again, that's accordionist Alicia Jo Straka, and Alicia stays pretty busy out there in Colorado playing music for folks of all ages.

And I'm sure she might see some snow out there in Colorado, but here in Chardon, Ohio, we have an average snowfall of 107 inches a year.

- But this is what it looks like, you can see it's pretty much speckled.

It's like taking a handful of confetti and just (imitates blasting) all over the map.

More widespread snow for much more of the area.

We're definitely in a wintry mode from a, now a very snowy front yard.

- And where better to enjoy that holiday snow than right here in the Geauga Park District?

This time of year I love to take my family out to the parks to enjoy nature's own winter wonderland and take in all the sights and sounds of the season.

But what happens if you live in a place where there is no snow this time of year?

Instead there is unrelenting sunshine, alligators, and a theme park ruled by a giant rodent.

Well, our next group is here from Florida to answer that very question.

(bright music) (birds squawking) - Is it gonna keep doing it?

Maybe it's just ambient noise.

- It'll be okay.

- Yeah, we can keep going.

- Florida.

- Yeah.

- All right.

(bird squawking) Hi, coming to you from sunny Tampa, Florida, I'm Haley DeLeon.

- And I'm Alex DeLeon.

- And I'm Jamie Dammers.

- We hope you enjoy our video of "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," that we made with Zoe DeLeon.

- (chuckles) It's hot.

(Alex sighs) Please send snow.

(Jamie coughs) Please.

(Haley sighs) ♪ Jolly Old St. Nicholas (upbeat music) ♪ Lean your ear this way ♪ Don't you tell a single soul ♪ What I'm going to say ♪ Christmas Eve is coming soon ♪ Now you dear old man ♪ Whisper what you'll bring to me ♪ ♪ Tell me if you can ♪ When the clock is striking 12:00 ♪ ♪ When I'm fast asleep ♪ Down the chimney broad and black ♪ ♪ With your pack you'll creep ♪ All the stockings you will find ♪ ♪ Hanging in a row ♪ Mine will be the shortest one ♪ ♪ You'll be sure to know ♪ Gettin' naughty by the yule log ♪ ♪ Sippin' egg nog ♪ Through the thick fog ♪ Red light on ♪ Must be Santa Claus ♪ Whatcha gotta say, dog ♪ Christmas is a magical time ♪ But not because of me ♪ I am just a figment of your mind ♪ ♪ Santa, did you get my list ♪ No, but Christmas is more than just gifts ♪ ♪ Oh ♪ The meaning's in your heart ♪ Now go spread some cheer ♪ Well, I guess I'm getting nothing for Christmas this year ♪ (energetic upbeat music) ♪ Alex wants a pair of skates ♪ Jamie wants a doll ♪ Zoe wants a story book ♪ Dolls won't do at all ♪ As for me my little brain ♪ Isn't very bright ♪ Choose for me, old Santa Claus ♪ ♪ What you think is right ♪ Choose for me, old Santa Claus ♪ ♪ What you think is ♪ Right ♪ Right ♪ Right ♪ Right ♪ Right (energetic upbeat music) - And whether you call him "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," Santa Claus or Father Christmas, that guy sure gets a lot of attention this time of year.

But we want to tell you about another holiday hero who works diligently through the season, delivering postcards, packages, and fruitcakes.

I'm talking about the postal worker.

And the rest of the Chardon Polka Band is here to tell you more about these brave men and women.

- Fun fact.

Did you know the postal service delivers and processes 472.1 million pieces of mail per day?

- [Bob] It's a lot more during the holidays.

(Brian chuckles) (drumsticks tapping) (bright upbeat music) ♪ He's got a package, he's got a package ♪ ♪ He's got a package, it's just for you ♪ ♪ He's got a bag upon his shoulder ♪ ♪ And he's wearing his funny hat, too ♪ ♪ Whoo ♪ But it's not Santa, no, it's a mailman ♪ ♪ And he's coming your way ♪ And when Andrew the mailman brings you his package ♪ ♪ You'll have a great holiday (bright upbeat music) ♪ He's Andrew the mailman ♪ He's Andrew the mailman ♪ He dances polkas around the block ♪ ♪ He's Andrew the mailman ♪ He's Andrew the mailman ♪ He's gonna do that Jingle Bell Rock ♪ ♪ He's got no reindeer, he's got no workshop ♪ ♪ And he's never had a sleigh ♪ But when Andrew the mailman brings you his package ♪ ♪ You'll have a great holiday ♪ When Andrew the mailman brings you his package ♪ ♪ You'll have a great holiday (bright upbeat music continues) (bright upbeat music continues) (bright upbeat music continues) ♪ A fruitcake from dear old granny ♪ ♪ Socks from your auntie in Tennessee ♪ ♪ He'll bring them right to your doorstep ♪ ♪ A polka Christmas delivery (bright upbeat music continues) ♪ The ladies, they all adore him ♪ ♪ But he's got a job to do ♪ Sorry, ladies, not today ♪ Maybe this Christmas, if you have been good ♪ ♪ He'll make a delivery to you (bright upbeat music continues) ♪ He's Andrew the mailman ♪ He's Andrew the mailman ♪ He's gonna make your holidays bright ♪ ♪ He's Andrew the mailman ♪ He's Andrew the mailman ♪ Dancing with all the gals tonight ♪ ♪ He's got no reindeer ♪ He's got no workshop ♪ And he's never had a sleigh ♪ And when Andrew the mailman brings you his package ♪ ♪ You'll have a great holiday ♪ When Andrew the mailman brings you his package ♪ ♪ You'll have a great holiday (bright upbeat music) - Our tuba player, Brian Brazier, is a very talented man and he's going to play a solo for you today on a very interesting and unique instrument that only he can play.

He made it himself.

(gentle upbeat music) ("Last Christmas") ("Last Christmas" continues) ("Last Christmas" continues) Friends and neighbors, that was some beautifully festive music that you just heard on a very special instrument.

(gentle upbeat music) Up next, this just might be the holiday moment that you've been waiting for, for your entire life.

Here to join us in song is Carl Finch and his band Brave Combo.

They've won Grammys, they've been on "The Simpsons," and they are going to blow your mind with song and spirit.

(bright music) - Hey everybody, this is Carl Finch with the band Brave Combo, wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, happy New Year.

We all need a happy New Year.

So (chuckles), so check out one of our hot holiday hits.

This is called "Must be Santa."

Are you guys ready?

- [Band Member] Ready!

(upbeat music) ♪ Who's got a beard that's long and white ♪ ♪ Santa's got a beard that's long and white ♪ ♪ Who comes around on a special night ♪ ♪ Santa comes around on a special night ♪ ♪ Special night, beard that's white ♪ ♪ Must be Santa, must be Santa ♪ Must be Santa, Santa Claus - Are you ready?

Let's polka!

Ay, ay, ay, ay!

(energetic bright upbeat music) ♪ Who's got a beard that's long and white ♪ ♪ Santa's got a beard that's long and white ♪ ♪ Who comes around on a special night ♪ ♪ Santa comes around on a special night ♪ ♪ Special night, beard that's white ♪ ♪ Must be Santa, must be Santa ♪ Must be Santa, Santa Claus (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (explosion crashing) ♪ Who wears boots and a suit of red ♪ ♪ Santa wears boots and a suit of red ♪ ♪ Who wears a long cap on his head ♪ ♪ Santa wears a long cap on his head ♪ ♪ Cap on head, suit that's red ♪ Special night, beard that's white ♪ ♪ Must be Santa, must be Santa ♪ Must be Santa, Santa Claus (energetic bright upbeat music continues) ♪ Who's got a big red cherry nose ♪ ♪ Santa's got a big red cherry nose ♪ ♪ Who laughs this way ♪ Ho, ho, ho ♪ Santa laughs this way ♪ Ho, ho, ho ♪ Ho, ho, ho, cherry nose ♪ Cap on head, suit that's red ♪ Special night, beard that's white ♪ ♪ Must be Santa, must be Santa ♪ Must be Santa, Santa Claus (energetic bright upbeat music) ♪ Who very soon will come our way ♪ ♪ Santa very soon will come our way ♪ ♪ Eight little reindeer pull his sleigh ♪ ♪ Santa's little reindeer pull his sleigh ♪ ♪ Reindeer sleigh, come our way ♪ ♪ Ho, ho, ho, cherry nose ♪ Cap on head, suit that's red ♪ Special night, beard that's white ♪ ♪ Must be Santa, must be Santa ♪ Must be Santa, Santa Claus (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) ♪ Let's go ♪ Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen ♪ ♪ Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon ♪ ♪ Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen ♪ ♪ Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton ♪ ♪ Reindeer sleigh, come our way ♪ ♪ Ho, ho, ho, cherry nose ♪ Cap on head, suit that's red ♪ Special night, beard that's white ♪ ♪ Must be Santa, must be Santa ♪ Must be Santa, Santa Claus ♪ Must be Santa, must be Santa ♪ Must be Santa, Santa Claus (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (audience claps rhythmically) (energetic upbeat music) (singer vocalizing) (audience applauding and cheering) - Listen, I am not exaggerating when I say that the only thing better than having Santa Claus slide down your chimney on Christmas with a pack of presents would be having Brave Combo slide down that very same chimney with a pack of polkas just for you.

And you know what?

That's kind of what they just did.

(bright music) When singer songwriter Bob Runyon was asked to perform in church on Christmas morning, he wanted to make sure he selected a song that no one else was going to be singing that day.

So as the children bounced back and forth on Christmas morning around the Christmas tree, opening their gifts, he was inspired to compose this tune.

It's called "Itty Bitty Baby Jesus," and the Chardon Polka Band will be performing it for you.

(bright music) (bright upbeat music) ♪ Hallelujah, the angels sing ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ Hallelujah, he was born the king ♪ ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ A cold winter's night and they were on the road ♪ ♪ Going to pay the taxes just like they were told ♪ ♪ Good citizens, they had no place to stay ♪ ♪ He was born in a stable, he's asleep on the hay ♪ ♪ Hallelujah, the angels sing ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ Hallelujah, he was born the king ♪ ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ Now shepherds from the hills ♪ Were awakened from their sleep ♪ ♪ By a choir of angels from the heavens deep ♪ ♪ They went to see the baby on the first Christmas night ♪ ♪ They were filled with wonder at that glorious sight ♪ ♪ Hallelujah, the angels sing ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ Hallelujah, he was born the king ♪ ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ (bright upbeat music) (bright upbeat music continues) ♪ Three kings from the east saw a star in the sky ♪ ♪ They were wise and so they wondered why ♪ ♪ They followed the star to where the baby lie ♪ ♪ And they gave him their gifts ♪ ♪ They passed Herod by ♪ Hallelujah, the angels sing ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ Hallelujah, he was born the king ♪ ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ Now power made small is just as good as it gets ♪ ♪ Herod and the devil, oh, he makes them sweat ♪ ♪ The big and the powerful are made to look small ♪ ♪ 'Cause he's the king of kings ♪ ♪ He's the Lord of all ♪ Hallelujah, the angels sing ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ Hallelujah, he was born the king ♪ ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ Itty, bitty baby born in Bethlehem ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ Itty, bitty baby, he was born the lamb ♪ (gentle solemn music) - Ladies and gentlemen, we are a polka band and we play polka music, that's our genre, and this time of year we're particularly focused on Christmas music.

But you know what?

There are other important holidays out there and there are other very important genres of music.

And our next artist comes to us from completely outside the realm of polka.

It's jazz trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, and he's going to introduce a song that he wrote about another special holiday celebration.

(bright music) - We're gonna play an original composition right now.

And this one actually comes by way of a children's musical.

And we were celebrating holiday, I guess we'd say celebrations from different parts of the world, and one that was intriguing to us, of course, was and is Kwanzaa, which was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1965, I believe, or maybe, in the '60s at some point.

And he wanted to celebrate great African traditions of which there are many.

And here's one that we call "Kwanzaa Is A Time."

(gentle upbeat music) (gentle soulful music) ♪ Kwanzaa is a time ♪ When we celebrate the beauty of a mind ♪ ♪ And rejoice and know that history is kind ♪ ♪ To forgotten royalty from ancient time ♪ ♪ When the kings and queens were strong Africans ♪ ♪ With true compassion ♪ For all mankind (gentle soulful music) ♪ Kwanzaa is a time ♪ When we recognize the majesty of our ♪ ♪ Of our ancestors who made and redefined ♪ ♪ All the laws that guide us each and every night ♪ ♪ In the stars we see our future is bright ♪ ♪ We learn wrong from right ♪ We celebrate (gentle soulful music) (slow bright soulful music) (slow bright soulful music continues) (slow bright soulful music continues) ♪ Kwanzaa is a time ♪ When we celebrate the beauty of mind ♪ ♪ And rejoice to know that history is kind ♪ ♪ To forgotten royalty from ancient time ♪ ♪ When the kings and queens were strong Africans ♪ ♪ With true compassion ♪ For all mankind ♪ For all mankind (rousing soulful music) - A heartfelt thanks to Delfeayo, Tonya, and the whole band for that story and song.

(serene music) Since you've been introduced to my family, my wife, Emily, and our two sons, I thought it might be appropriate to meet the members of my musical family, the Chardon Polka Band.

All right, friends and neighbors, here's the band.

On the string-a-ding dings, Mr. Mike Franklin.

- That's me.

- On the rum-a-tum-tum drums, Mr. Bob Young from Youngstown, Ohio.

- Hello.

- A lot of people say different weird things about you, don't they, Bob?

- You do.

- Thank you, Bob.

Here he is on the tuba, Mr. Brian Brazier from Lincoln, Nebraska.

(soft bright music) And there he is, on the saxophone, the magic man himself, Mr. Mitch Lawrence.

- What's a terrero?

- And now the Chardon Polka Band will share a polka arrangement of "Angels, We Have Heard on High."

(bright music) (energetic bright upbeat music) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) ♪ Angels we have heard on high ♪ Sweetly singing o'er the plains ♪ ♪ And the mountains in reply ♪ Echoing their joyous strains ♪ Gloria ♪ In excelsis Deo ♪ Gloria ♪ In excelsis Deo (energetic bright upbeat music continues) ♪ Come to Bethlehem and see ♪ Him whose birth the angels sing ♪ ♪ Come, adore on bended knee ♪ Christ the Lord, the newborn king ♪ ♪ Gloria ♪ Gloria, Gloria, Gloria ♪ In excelsis Deo ♪ Gloria ♪ - Gloria, Gloria, Gloria ♪ In excelsis Deo (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (bright upbeat music) (dramatic music) - We're traveling back to Ohio and we're going to hear from two dear friends of mine, Steven and Laura Burks.

Now they're gonna play a song that you've probably never heard before, and you probably haven't heard it because it's part of their own beautiful family holiday tradition.

(bright music) - We're really excited that Jake Kouwe invited us to be a part of this program.

Our family has a tradition of writing a new Christmas Carol each year and sending it out to our family and friends.

- Jake knows this about us because he actually performed on one of our carols a number of years ago.

We were so thrilled when he called, and I got on the phone right away and called some of my friends, who happen to be some of the best musicians in Cleveland.

And we all got together one Saturday afternoon at Tri-C, and we recorded this song, we filmed it, and we're gonna share it with you.

It's called, "If We Had A Sleigh."

(cheerful gentle upbeat music) (cheerful gentle upbeat music continues) (gentle bright upbeat music) ♪ If we had a sleigh ♪ We would ride it through the holidays ♪ ♪ Singing all the way ♪ Now ♪ If we had a sleigh (gentle bright upbeat music) ♪ If we had a sleigh ♪ - If we had a sleigh ♪ Oh, how we'd love it when it snowed ♪ ♪ We'd grab the kids and away we would go ♪ ♪ Now, if we had a sleigh ♪ Oh, we would bundle up ♪ And cuddle up ♪ Snuggle up and giddy-up ♪ All the way to town ♪ We would stop by the popcorn shop ♪ ♪ And take a picture that would make Norman Rockwell proud ♪ (gentle bright upbeat music) ♪ If we had a sleigh ♪ Well, I'd buy some bells just for the jingle sound ♪ ♪ And a big old horse just to pull us round ♪ ♪ Now, if we had a sleigh (soulful gentle upbeat music) (soulful gentle upbeat music continues) (gentle bright music) (gentle bright music continues) ♪ Mm, we would cuddle up, cuddle up ♪ ♪ Snuggle up and giddy-up ♪ All the way to town ♪ We would stop by the popcorn shop ♪ ♪ And take a picture that would make Norman Rockwell proud ♪ (gentle bright music) ♪ Now, if we had a sleigh ♪ If we had a sleigh ♪ Just think of all the memories ♪ ♪ We would make for the family ♪ Now, if we had a ♪ If we had a ♪ If we had a sleigh ♪ If we had a sleigh (soulful gentle upbeat music) ♪ Riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ Riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ Riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ Riding, riding ♪ Riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ Riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ Riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ Riding, riding ♪ Riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ Riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ Riding in a one-horse sleigh ♪ Riding, riding (soulful gentle upbeat music continues) (soulful gentle upbeat music continues) (soulful gentle upbeat music continues) (gentle bright music) (soft bright music) (bright music) - Again, we just heard from two dear friends of mine, Steven and Laura Burks from Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

I met Steven years ago when he was the worship pastor at a local church here in Ohio and he mentored me in the creative arts, and I am just thrilled to be working with him and Laura again and thank you to them and their friends for sharing their wonderful holiday tradition and song with us today.

A story like theirs is a perfect example of the kind of beautiful memories that are shaped during this time of year.

This season is a setting where we become keenly aware of the beauty to be found in our relationships and existence.

This time of year reminds all of us that we have so much to be thankful for.

And here to pontificate on that thought a little more is a singer songwriter from the state of Illinois.

Her name is Christina Eltrevoog.

(bright music) - Hello, I'm Christina Eltrevoog.

The song I'll be sharing with you today is one you'll probably recognize, it's been sung a lot over many holiday seasons.

I've sung it a lot, but the version I was more familiar with was Frank Sinatra's, with a bit more jolly lyrics.

(chuckles) It wasn't until last year that I heard the version sung by Judy Garland, and it had a deeper resonance for me with a bit more melancholy lyrics, expressing more of a longing for that kind of joyful celebration than the experience of it.

So wherever you are this year, joyfully celebrating or longing to joyfully celebrate, I do wish you a merry little Christmas.

(solemn music) ♪ Have yourself ♪ A merry little Christmas ♪ Let your heart be light ♪ Next year all our troubles ♪ Will be out of sight (solemn music continues) ♪ Have yourself ♪ A merry little Christmas ♪ Make the yuletide gay ♪ Next year all our troubles ♪ Will be miles away ♪ Once again ♪ As in olden days ♪ Happy golden days ♪ Of yore ♪ Faithful friends ♪ Who are dear to us ♪ Will be near to us ♪ Once more (solemn music continues) ♪ Someday soon we all ♪ Will be together ♪ If the fates allow ♪ Until then ♪ We'll have to muddle through ♪ Somehow ♪ And have yourself ♪ A merry little Christmas ♪ Now (solemn music continues) - A timeless message and song from our friend Christina.

Now the practice of exchanging songs this time of year is something that goes back generations, and we'd like to think that we've captured that festive spirit today as we work on wrapping things up with a caroling song from the 18th century.

Back then, it was referred to as wassailing and it meant to exchange a drink or song, and raise a toast in this holiday season.

(bright music) (gentle bright music) (drumsticks tapping) ♪ Wassail, wassail all over the town ♪ ♪ Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown ♪ ♪ Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree ♪ ♪ With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee ♪ (energetic bright upbeat music) ♪ So here is to Cherry and to her right cheek ♪ ♪ Pray God send our master a good piece of beef ♪ ♪ A good piece of beef that we all may see ♪ ♪ With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee ♪ ♪ Wassail, wassail all over the town ♪ ♪ Our toast it is white, our ale it is brown ♪ ♪ Our bowl it is made from the white maple tree ♪ ♪ With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee ♪ (energetic bright upbeat music continues) ♪ And here is to Dobbin and to his right eye ♪ ♪ Pray God send our master a good Christmas pie ♪ ♪ A good Christmas pie that we all may see ♪ ♪ With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee ♪ ♪ Wassail, wassail all over the town ♪ ♪ Our toast it is white, our ale it is brown ♪ ♪ Our bowl it is made from the white maple tree ♪ ♪ With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee ♪ (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) ♪ And here is to the maid in the lily white smock ♪ ♪ Whoo ♪ Who tripped through the door and she pulled back the lock ♪ ♪ Who tripped through the door and pulled back the pin ♪ ♪ To let all these jolly wassailers in ♪ ♪ Wassail, wassail, all over the town ♪ ♪ Our toast it is white, our ale it is brown ♪ ♪ Our bowl it is made from the white maple tree ♪ ♪ With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee ♪ ♪ With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee ♪ ♪ With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee ♪ (bright upbeat music) - Folks, we have had a lot of fun on this musical holiday adventure.

We hope that your season is full of cheer and a few polkas too.

From all of us to all of you, happy holidays.

(gentle upbeat music) - Happy hollandaise.

- Hey, merry Christmas, everybody.

- Shalom and happy Hanukkah.

- Until next time.

Be safe getting home.

(soulful bright music) (drumstick tapping) - One, two, three.

(energetic bright upbeat music) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) ♪ Should auld acquaintance be forgot ♪ ♪ And never brought to mind ♪ Should auld acquaintance be forgot ♪ ♪ In days of auld lang syne ♪ For auld lang syne, my dear ♪ For auld lang syne ♪ We'll take a cup of kindness yet ♪ ♪ For auld lang syne (energetic bright upbeat music continues) ♪ Whoa (energetic bright upbeat music continues) (energetic bright upbeat music continues) ♪ Hosts sing hallelujah (gentle upbeat music) ♪ Christ the savior is born ♪ Christ the savior is born - That was good.

♪ Christ the Savior is born - Wow.

Just made that up.

I had some guide words written down.

Was that good, or should I do it again?

- It was good.