Step Into Christmas - Elton John (1974) HQ Remaster Audio HD Video

"Step Into Christmas" was released as a stand-alone single in November 1973 with the song "Ho, Ho, Ho (Who'd Be a Turkey at Christmas)" as the B-side. It peaked at No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart.[1] In the United States, the single reached No. 56 on the Cash Box Top 100 Singles chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart.

"Step into Christmas" was later included as a bonus track on the 1995 remastered re-issue of the album Caribou, even though it was released in the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road days. It also appears on the albums Elton John's Christmas Party, Rare Masters, To Be Continued, and various Christmas compilation albums. Two versions with different vocals exist.

According to liner notes about the song by Elton John and Bernie Taupin (in Rare Masters and Elton John's Christmas Party), the track and its B-side, both produced by Gus Dudgeon, were recorded during a quickie session at Morgan Studios in London, owned by drummer Barry Morgan, who had played on several of Elton's early albums. "Step into Christmas" was mixed to sound like one of producer Phil Spector's 1960's recordings, using plenty of compression and imitating his trademark "wall of sound" technique. This was intentional according to both John and Taupin, and an homage of sorts to Christmas songs by Spector-produced groups such as The Ronettes.

In 2009, "Step into Christmas" was the ninth most played Christmas song in the United Kingdom.

"Step Into Christmas" is one of my favorite rock Christmas songs, maybe tied with Paul's "Wonderful Christmastime" for absolute favorite (there are so many great ones both old and new!). I had most of this video finished last year about this time, but the powers that be didn't want it shared at that time.....so happy to be able to finish it up this year. Watching it as it's uploading I realize that I should have sped it up a bit more towards the end and used a few xmasy photos for variety, but I guess it'll have to do....another note for another video adjustment if and when the time comes! ;-) Wishing all my friends and everyone the greatest Christmas ever this year! Thanks for watching!

(WIKI mentions there are two vocal versions of this song, but doesn't really detail differences or releases for them)....I took the version used in this video from the remastered Caribou album, where it was a bonus track....if anyone knows more please share!)

As usual, HUGE THANKS to everyone who's art made this new art possible...THANK YOU!!!!

[Lyrics]
Welcome to my Christmas song
I'd like to thank you for the year
So I'm sending you this Christmas card
To say it's nice to have you here
I'd like to sing about all the things
Your eyes and mind can see
So hop aboard the turntable
Oh step into Christmas with me

Step into Christmas
Let's join together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come along with me
Step into Christmas
The admission's free

Take care in all you do next year
And keep smiling through the days
If we can help to entertain you
Oh we will find the ways
So merry Christmas one and all
There's no place I'd rather be
Than asking you if you'd oblige
Stepping into Christmas with me

[wagnercabrerisso]

Great Elton John !! The soundtrack of my entire life since 1972.

[Waggytoon]

"Step Into Christmas" is one of the great holiday hits you can't help enjoying. Way to go, Elton John! Still great after 41 years and counting.

[jasoncarpp]

Although the song is over 40 yrs old, it still sounds like a song to be played today for Christmas. :)

[MrMegaFredZeppelin]

Right into my Christmas playlist. Thank you :) ROCK

[rosemacleod-howie]

This song brings back so many happy teenage memories. It is the favorite Christmas song of mine and my best friend, Helen it is a race each year to the phone to call the other .... whoever hears it first! Then the tears start .... happy tears! Merry Christmas one and all!

[boblewis]

Great song my favorite Christmas Song.

[ericfaw]

one of my favorite rock christmas songs. awesome video! very creative. peace2u! eric

[cliffordlovelace]

Merry Christmas, Jon to you and your family, thank you !!!!

[wolverine]

Yeah, brother MGM, yesterday checked your channel for news, I was afraid I might be missed something in the mess, very pleasant surprise today. Merry Christmas time to you, too!!!

[THEDUDE]

Merry Christmas "MetalGuruMessiah"

[cliffordlovelace]

Cheers Jon, excellent video Merry Christmas to you and your family

[JohnTaylorMusicClips]

2:57 girls when I think for one second that I'll find someone to be with

[andygeisel]

The other "alternate" vocal version I know of is one recorded for a TV appearance Elton did to promote the single, but that one to my knowledge has never been released, and was only used the one time.

[hunkatiel]

Step into Christmas, the admission's free. Until you get your credit card bill... then, not so much. Good one Jon. ;)

[plumstreetmusic]

Jon, Here is our Christmas entry from Kris, Jere, and myself. -- John

[ChillRebel]

EJ - Bernie - Dee - Nigel - Davey - Nice To Have You Here … Another Great MGM Production … Ho Ho Ho ...