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‘White Christmas’: 50 Million Sales and Timeless Comfort

12/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

"White Christmas" is the best-selling Christmas song, with over 50 million copies sold.
Irving Berlin (composer) wrote the song in 1942, reflecting his personal tragedy after losing his son on Christmas Day in 1928.
Bing Crosby (singer) first performed it in the film Holiday Inn, and it grew in popularity during World War II, bringing comfort to American troops and inspiring the 1954 film "White Christmas".

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Story summary

"White Christmas" is the best-selling Christmas song, with over 50 million copies sold.
Irving Berlin (composer) wrote the song in 1942, reflecting his personal tragedy after losing his son on Christmas Day in 1928.
Bing Crosby (singer) first performed it in the film Holiday Inn, and it grew in popularity during World War II, bringing comfort to American troops and inspiring the 1954 film "White Christmas".