A Cookie Cutter Christmas

If you grew up in the 60s you know what it was like before video games, computers and even stereo.
There was TV then, but I'm not sure if it was in color. But some things you just can't forget.

Our parents thought they were trend setters and thought they would try something new instead of Perry Como records. So one day we saw a Christmas show on TV that was called Alvin & the Chipmunks.

This was not in prime time but just a short show to get the kids attention and celebrate the holiday. The only cartoon characters we knew were Bugs Bunny, Casper the Ghost and Mighty Mouse so this was new.
We were so excited to see in action three animated chipmunks in scarves and hats. Who can forget that warm-up? Dum, dee dee, dum. Dum, dee dee, dum. And then the shout "OK, Alvin !" at which time Alvin the Chipmunk would run over to join them and then the song would start.

Christmas, Christmas, time of year, time for fun and time for cheer . And the song would go on and on in chipmunk pitch. At the end, Alvin would screech "me I want a hula hoop" which we just went crazy screaming with him. As if that weren't good enough of course we had to have the record. My mother who had three of us at the time would buy anything that would give her peace. So we got the record. At that point, that would play non-stop for three weeks straight at full volume with three kids in the chorus. My younger brother would be Alvin and we would all scream Alvin! and he would come running out. Those memories are priceless and to this day I get hysterical anytime I hear Alvin & The Chipmunks(who are still performing). They are in their fifties but look pretty good for their age.

Oh, and how can anyone forget Jingle Bell Rock? But then again, that's another story.