Story Behind The Song

The winter solstice falls at Christmas, and the Christmas tree and evergreens remind us that on solstice the sun turns, and spring and summer will return with the sun.

Song Description

While penguins frolic down below, we have dark and frost and snow, polar bears won't see the sun till the winter's gone. But when the sun returns to us the polar bears will play in the endless light of summer days.

Lyrics

On the shortest day each year
In our northern hemisphere
The winter sky is grey and bleak
The winter sun so pale and weak
Is late to rise and soon to bed
In her golden winter sled.
Her canopy of rosy clouds
Gives way to night and icy crowds
Of stars and constellations.
She does not linger here, instead
She brings the antipodes her light
For they have day while we have night
And summer weather warm and bright
For Christmas celebrations.
While penguins frolic down below
We have night and frost and snow.
Polar bears won't see the sun
Until winter's dark is gone

But tonight the sun will start
Her return to our part
Of the world and here she'll stay.
Linger longer every day
Growing strong and warm and red
Early rise and late to bed
She will banish dark and cold
And make winter lose its hold.
That is what the Christmas tree
Green and beautiful to see
In the midst of winter drear
Promises us every year
Spring will not forget to spring
All the little birds will sing
There'll be butterflies and flowers
Bright long days and summer showers.
And the polar bears will play
In the endless light of day