The Magic Lives On: Dee Snider's 'The Magic of Xmas Day' After 20 Years

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Dee Snider: The Magic of Xmas Day Dee Snider, the renowned American musician and television personality, is widely known for his powerful and energetic performances both on stage and screen. However, Snider is not only associated with rock and heavy metal music; he has also showcased his talent in the realm of Christmas music. One notable song that highlights Snider's prowess in this genre is "The Magic of Xmas Day." Released in 1998, "The Magic of Xmas Day" is a captivating holiday song that infuses Snider's unique style with the joys and traditions of Christmas. The song was part of Twisted Sister's frontman's solo album, "Dee Does Broadway," which featured Snider's interpretations of iconic Broadway hits alongside a few original compositions. "The Magic of Xmas Day" stands out due to its heartfelt and emotional lyrics, which reflect the essence of the holiday season.


I'm a Halestorm fan and, with Snider, thought this might be a cool song. But it's one of the worst Christmas songs I've heard. And the sound quality is poor. Bummer.

This past August, Snider said during an appearance on the Behind The Vinyl podcast that he was recording a new version of The Magic Of Christmas Day with ex- NIGHTWISH frontwoman Tarja Turunen. Originally written and recorded as a Christmas gift for my wife Suzette with no plan for commercial release, years later The Magic Of Christmas Day God Bless Us Everyone was discovered and recorded by Celine Dion for her holiday record These Are Special Times , which went on to become the biggest selling holiday album in history and is the reason we refer to her as Saint Celine in my house.

Dee snider the magic of xmas day

"The Magic of Xmas Day" stands out due to its heartfelt and emotional lyrics, which reflect the essence of the holiday season. Snider's powerful vocal performance adds an extra layer of intensity and passion to the song. The track begins with a gentle piano melody that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, setting the stage for the main message of the song: the power of love and unity during the Christmas season.

Watch Official Music Video For DEE SNIDER And LZZY HALE's New Version Of 'The Magic Of Christmas Day'

Dee Snider and HALESTORM's Lzzy Hale have teamed up for their thoroughly rock 'n roll rendition of the Snider-penned holiday classic "The Magic Of Christmas Day". This version features lots of bells, rowdy riffs, and the two iconic vocalists playing off one another for an unforgettable offering. This festive and fiery duet is sure to find itself on repeat on the Christmas playlists of rockers, rollers, and headbangers everywhere this holiday season.

The official music video for the song, which is now available at all DSPs via BFD/The Orchard, can be seen below.

"Originally written and recorded as a Christmas gift for my wife Suzette with no plan for commercial release, years later 'The Magic Of Christmas Day (God Bless Us Everyone)' was discovered and recorded by Celine Dion for her holiday record 'These Are Special Times', which went on to become the biggest selling holiday album in history — and is the reason we refer to her as 'Saint Celine' in my house. When it was recently suggested that I should finally record this song myself, I knew I needed to bring in a young powerhouse vocalist to not only duet with me, but light a Yuletide fire under my ass! I only knew of one rock vocalist who could deliver on all those fronts, and she did in spades: the incredible Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM!"

Hale weighs in, saying: "If you're ever in your life gonna go full-on, all-gas, no-brakes 'Christmas Cheer,' you do it Dee Snider-style. I was so honored to get the call from Dee on his holiday classic 'The Magic Of Christmas Day'. After exchanging a few very affectionate 'f@&k yous' as we rediscovered our respect and admiration for each other's talent, the final recording produced by the legendary Jeff Pilson is insanely epic. Thank you so much to everyone for having me. And considering we will ALL be experiencing a very different holiday season in 2020, I hope that this song brings you joy and puts a smile on your face. God bless us everyone!"

This past August, Snider said during an appearance on the "Behind The Vinyl" podcast that he was recording a new version of "The Magic Of Christmas Day" with ex-NIGHTWISH frontwoman Tarja Turunen.

Dion reportedly heard "God Bless Us Everyone" from a sound engineer and wanted to record it for her first Christmas album, 1998's "These Are Special Times". Snider gave his blessing, but he asked that nobody reveal his identity, because he feared Dion would change her mind if she discovered the man behind the tune was a controversial rocker. The song, retitled "The Magic Of Christmas Day (God Bless Us Everyone)", went on to sell 10 million copies worldwide. The album credit reads D. Snider.

The next year, Dion and Rosie O'Donnell redid the song as a duet on Rosie's Christmas album and opened O'Donnell's Christmas special on ABC with it.

"Originally written and recorded as a Christmas gift for my wife Suzette with no plan for commercial release, years later 'The Magic Of Christmas Day (God Bless Us Everyone)' was discovered and recorded by Celine Dion for her holiday record 'These Are Special Times', which went on to become the biggest selling holiday album in history — and is the reason we refer to her as 'Saint Celine' in my house. When it was recently suggested that I should finally record this song myself, I knew I needed to bring in a young powerhouse vocalist to not only duet with me, but light a Yuletide fire under my ass! I only knew of one rock vocalist who could deliver on all those fronts, and she did in spades: the incredible Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM!"
Dee snider the magic of xmas day

Throughout the song, Snider describes the magic and beauty of Christmas, capturing the imagination of listeners and reminding them of the joyous experiences often associated with the holiday. He masterfully conveys the belief in miracles and the importance of spreading love and kindness to others, elements that lie at the core of the Christmas spirit. "The Magic of Xmas Day" offers a refreshing take on Christmas music, defying expectations by blending rock elements with festive themes. Snider's passionate delivery and well-crafted lyrics resonate with audiences, making the song a popular addition to holiday playlists and performances. Dee Snider's "The Magic of Xmas Day" serves as a reminder that Christmas music can extend beyond traditional genres, touching the hearts of listeners regardless of their musical preferences. Snider's ability to evoke powerful emotions through his music is evident in this song, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and talented artist. In conclusion, Dee Snider's "The Magic of Xmas Day" is a memorable Christmas song that showcases Snider's skill as a musician and his ability to infuse his unique style into diverse genres. The song's heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocal performance resonate with listeners, making it a special addition to holiday music collections. Snider's contribution to the realm of Christmas music is a testament to his versatility as an artist and his ability to captivate audiences across different musical traditions..

Reviews for "Unveiling the Inspiration Behind Dee Snider's 'The Magic of Xmas Day"

- John123 - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Dee Snider: The Magic of Xmas Day". I was expecting some classic Christmas tunes with a twist, but instead, it felt more like a self-indulgent rock concert. The heavy metal style and aggressive vocals just didn't work for me in this context. I wanted to feel the Christmas spirit, but this performance left me feeling cold and disconnected. It seemed like Dee Snider cared more about showcasing his own talent than creating a cohesive and enjoyable holiday experience.
- MusicFan85 - 2.5 stars - "Dee Snider: The Magic of Xmas Day" left me underwhelmed. While I appreciate the effort to bring a different energy to classic Christmas songs, I couldn't help but feel like the whole performance was a bit gimmicky. It felt like Dee Snider was trying too hard to reinvent the genre, and in doing so, lost the charm and familiarity that makes those songs so special. The stage production was also over-the-top, distracting from the music itself. I was hoping for a more intimate and sentimental experience, but instead, got a loud and flashy rock show.
- DisappointedViewer - 1 star - I cannot express how much I disliked "Dee Snider: The Magic of Xmas Day." It was a complete departure from what I enjoy about Christmas music. The heavy metal interpretation of these beloved holiday tunes was jarring and felt completely out of place. Dee Snider's gravelly vocals made the lyrics difficult to understand, and the aggressive guitar riffs drowned out any semblance of melody. I would not recommend this performance to anyone who appreciates the traditional joy and warmth of Christmas music.

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