An Echo of Family and Hope: A New Classic in the Winter’s Hush
A tender, modern Christmas carol that captures the poignant blend of enduring love, loss, and the eternal hope the season brings, rendered through the intimate harmony of a father and daughter.
For a generation who grew up with the smooth, distinctive rasp of Chris Norman, lead singer of the hugely successful soft rock band Smokie, his name is forever linked to anthems of the late ’70s and beyond, from “Living Next Door to Alice” to the iconic duet “Stumblin’ In” with Suzi Quatro. But for those of us who appreciate the enduring power of family in music, the emergence of “This Christmas Time” holds a very special, heartfelt significance.
This song is a relatively new entry into the crowded canon of holiday music, gaining a warm, grassroots following, particularly among Chris Norman’s loyal fans across Europe. It did not register on major international charts upon its release, operating instead as a more personal, direct offering to listeners. The story behind the song is what truly gives it its tender resonance: “This Christmas Time” is a collaboration between Chris Norman and his daughter, Susan Norman. They not only co-wrote the piece but also performed it as a duet, often creating simple, homemade-style videos to accompany the acoustic version, which only enhances its authentic, fireside charm.
The song’s meaning is perfectly encapsulated in the mood of a quiet, reflective Christmas. The lyrics speak of the universal symbols of the season—”Snowflakes falling down, bells ring all over town”—but quickly pivot to a deeper, more personal melancholy: “Echo another year without you.” It’s a mature reflection on loss and absence, a quiet acknowledgement that even in the midst of festive lights and community singing (“Crowds of people gather round, they’re singing, oh Tannenbaum”), there is a space in the heart for someone missing. Yet, it never descends into despair. Instead, it finds hope and comfort in the present and the future: “We’ll keep these memories we are making,” and “in the future of this world, I know there’ll be a better time.”
The power of “This Christmas Time” for older listeners lies in this very juxtaposition of the iconic voice of their youth—Chris Norman’s familiar, slightly gravelly tone—blending seamlessly with his daughter Susan’s clear, sweet vocals. It’s a beautiful musical metaphor for the passage of time, the continuation of love and talent across generations, and the reality of a holiday that is as much about bittersweet memory as it is about celebration. Hearing a father and daughter share this intimate, hopeful message gives the song a familial warmth that most polished Christmas hits can never truly replicate. It reminds us that the best holiday moments are often the ones made quietly, at home, keeping the memories alive and dreaming of new beginnings. It is a genuine, unforced piece of soft rock poetry, a cozy blanket against the winter chill.