SPECIAL PROGRAM - 'White Christmas'

Now, a Special English program for Christmas. Maurice Joyce tells about "White Christmas."

VOICE:

Christmas is almost here. Holiday music fills the air. Colorful lights shine brightly in windows. Stores are crowded with people buying last-minute gifts. All these are Christmas traditions.

Another tradition is snow. Christmas in the northern part of the world comes a few days after the start of winter. So, in many places, a blanket of clean white snow covers the ground on Christmas Day. This is what is meant by a "White Christmas. "

Of course, many places do not get snow in December. In fact, they may be very warm at that time of year. People who like snow -- but live where it is warm -- dream of having a white Christmas.

American songwriter Irving Berlin captured these feelings in his song "White Christmas."

"White Christmas" is one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. Hundreds of singers and musicians have recorded it. Perhaps the most famous version was sung by Bing Crosby.

((TAPE: "White Christmas"))

Irving Berlin, in wartime, 1944

Songwriter Irving Berlin was Jewish. He did not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. But in his Christmas song, he shares a message of peace and happiness which all people can enjoy.

So, from all of us who work in Special English -- to all of you -- we wish the happiest and most joyful holiday. This is Maurice Joyce.