SPECIAL PROGRAM - 'White Christmas'

Written by David Jarmul

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

VOICE:

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

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

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

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

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

((TAPE: "White Christmas"))

IrvingBerlin, in wartime, 1944

Songwriter Irving Berlin wasJewish. He did not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. Butin his Christmas song, he shares a message of peace and happinesswhich 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 MauriceJoyce.