Everyone harps on the sunshine and lack of four-seasonry in LA this time of year, especially people from other places who wish only climate-related jealousy upon us. Well, let's start with the fact that it is down-your-overcoat chilly right now, and that leaves, here and there, have turned. The other good-natured jib we like to pull out of our we-love-LA arsenal? That "White Christmas" mentions both Beverly Hills and LA.
Though the original opening to the famous Irving Berlin song is rarely sung, every Angeleno should know it by heart, or, at least, know of it, and be able to pull it out as a fun factoid at the holiday dinner. Hear Bing Crosby warbling: "The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway. I've never seen such a day in Beverly Hills, LA."
Okay, granted, the lyrics go on to reveal that the dreamer is longing to be up north enjoying a frosty, flake-laden Christmas. But that our city, so long associated with the pleasures of heat, bikinis and roller blades, has a starring role in not just a famous carol, but maybe the most famous carol, is an annual gift to Los Angeles.
Like the character of Heat Miser in "The Year Without a Santa Claus," we can sometimes, living in this warm place, feel like northern places hog the spotlight come December, but "White Christmas" remains a little spiced slice of holiday cake we can call our own.
Got to get the relatives visiting from Snowyville out of the house for a few? Why not drive them by the palm trees along Rodeo, blasting the carol at top volume?
