Bryan and I wrote "California Christmas" in 1988. Clearly, we were channeling Phil Spector and the Beach Boys, similar to what the Beatles had done with their 1968 tribute/parody, "Back In The USSR".

We spent a day or two recording a meticulous demo, complete with all the instruments and vocal parts, just the two of us in my little basement studio.

Then ... nothing. We forgot about "California Christmas" for nearly 40 years!

In 2025 Bryan circled back and rescued the track from oblivion for inclusion in a Canadian television "Christmas Special". I'm so glad he did!

I've been lookin' at the rain and snow
Wonderin' should I stay or should I go
This winter leave it all behind
Cuz California you've been on my mind

I can picture myself Christmas morning
On Sunset Boulevard
Sittin' back soakin' up the sun
This year we're gonna have some fun

I've been dreamin' of a California Christmas
Every day you know the sun is gonna shine
We'll be havin' us a California Christmas

Palm trees wavin' in the breeze
Lots of presents for you and me
Just imagine it could be so cool
Hangin' mistletoe by the pool

There's a feelin' you get Christmas morning
Where ever you will be
I'll be there walkin' in the sand
Even Santa Claus will have a tan

I've been dreamin' of a California Christmas
Every day you know the sun is gonna shine
We'll be havin' us a California Christmas

Now it's winter all around the world
I've been watchin' California girls
When the snow is fallin' everywhere
I'll be sniffin' that Pacific air

When you open your eyes Christmas morning
There'll be a surprise
Instead of Rudolph and the rest of the herd
I see St. Nick drivin' a Thunderbird

I've been dreamin' of a California Christmas
Every day you know the sun is gonna shine
We'll be havin' us a California Christmas

I've been dreamin' of a California Christmas
Every day you know the sun is gonna shine
We'll be havin' us a California Christmas

I've been dreamin' of a California Christmas