Some institutions in our culture have fared better over the years than others. Bing Crosby was as much an institution of Christmas as the proverbial Santa Claus was during the 1950's. Strangely, he was rumored to have despised it, but as a professional, did it each year since 1955 all the way until the early 1960's when it transitioned over and became a staple of Television.

This broadcast comes from Christmas Eve 1957 (last year we did 1958 for those of you keeping track). And it features the regular cast of support performers and the ever-present Norman Luboff Choir.

No doubt, if you were born well after Crosby left the scene, this show will seem completely odd to you. Just remember, this was something that was burned into the universal psyche of America for a very long time and it was a cultural touchstone for an entire generation.

It was what Christmas was about a very long time ago.