This was my favorite T.V. show when I was a pre-schooler. The appeal was twofold; Mitch Miller and the Gang used accordion as their main instrumental accompaniment... and my father was an accomplished accordion player, and played for us on many occasions.

The other factor that appealed to me was the bouncing ball. This was fascinating because it introduced me to the concept of reading. And, of course, it was always fun to sing along with Mitch.

The show came on after my bedtime. I remember my mother actually WAKING ME UP so that I could watch the show. Afterwards I'd go back to bed with dozens of happy songs twirling round my head...

Mitch Miller's Holiday Christmas Album was one of our family favorites for years. I still play the CD version of this album for my students. It inspires the same joyful excitement in them as it did in me as a child.