But for those of you who are new to the site and have never been on the message board and read my introductory post, a little bit about me:

I have been lover of Christmas music from the time I was a young child, and an avid collector and connoisseur of Christmas music for over 34 years now. As a result of all the years amassing this collection, which has become quite prodigious to say the least, I have developed an extensive and comprehensive knowledge of Christmas music. What’s more, because I have very eclectic taste in music to begin with, my Christmas collection covers practically all musical genres: Easy Listening, Rock, Country, Jazz, Folk, R&B, Hawaiian, Gospel, Soul, and more. So, please send me an inquiry via the website or the message board if you should have any questions regarding Christmas music: songs, albums, artists, release dates, etc. I will do my best to answer them as expeditiously as possible.

Now, for this first installment of “Chip’s Tips,” I would like to just take this opportunity to express a few personal thoughts regarding my role in the Yule Log restoration:

In this endeavor, I tried to impart as little artistic impression on the program as I could, as I wanted this to be a historically accurate reproduction of the original program as conceived by the show's creator Fred Thrower, who was the general manager of the station at the time. However, I did have to make some decisions regarding the arrangement, but only as a result of a lack of historical record, and forgive me for saying immodestly -- that I'm glad it was me who made them. Quite frankly, there is probably no one who knows this program -- or I dare say, Christmas music in general, better than I do.

With about half of the songs on the Yule Log currently out of print, I’m proud to say that the task of this restoration could never have been accomplished without utilizing the invaluable resource of my Christmas music collection. Consequently, this is where I take my greatest joy: that if it weren't for all my years of collecting, none of this would have even been possible.

Moreover, because today there are so few forums that showcase Christmas music from its golden age of the 1950s and 1960s, I am also thrilled and delighted that in a very special and unique way I have also contributed to the preservation and legacy of not only the music, but to these great artists who have given me so much pleasure over the years: Percy Faith, Mantovani, Ray Conniff, Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians, Frank DeVol, Robert Shaw, Norman Luboff, Andre Kostelanetz, The Living Strings, Al Hirt, Paul Mauriat, David Rose, among so many others. It is through my contribution to this project that I feel I am able to honor and pay them back in some way: quid pro quo.

What's more, it is also very gratifying and rewarding to know that after all the blood, sweat, and tears -- as well as money, that I have put into my Christmas music collection over these last 34 years, that it has now gone to a greater good beyond my own personal enjoyment, and will now benefit millions of people across the country who will now be able to enjoy some very rare and special Christmas music that they otherwise would never have been able to hear. What's even more gratifying, is that no matter how long I may live, or what else I may possibly do, it is this single legacy that I will always be most proud of and privileged to leave my family, friends, and all those who will make this program part of their Yuletide holiday tradition for years to come. It is indeed the way I wish to be remembered someday when I'm gone; this program, and the music in particular, will forever speak for me from my grave.

Well, I guess it must be obvious to everyone, my unmitigated passion, enthusiasm and love for the Yule Log, and especially the music of Christmas. I've said this before on the Yule Log.com message board, and it bears repeating here: I've expended a little piece of my life in my efforts amassing this great collection. These albums are my pride and my joy, and the only thing I've ever really loved. Of all the things one could collect -- coins, stamps, etc., I feel fortunate that this is the one I was blessed with.

Gee, what a nice thing to happen to a swell guy like me.   

A Very Merry Christmas in advance!

Lawrence F. “Chip” Arcuri

PS – In the next installment of “Chip’s Tips,” I’ll be announcing some new Christmas CD releases!