(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays - 1954 Version

This popular Christmas tune was written by Como's frequent accompanist Robert Allen and lyricist Al Stillman, who teamed up to write several hits of the era for Como, The Four Lads ("Moments To Remember") and Johnny Mathis ("Chances Are"). Como recorded the song again in 1959 for his Season's Greetings From Perry Como album, which features a different arrangement and accompaniment from the Mitchell Ayres Orchestra and the Ray Charles Singers. Both versions are staples of Christmas compilations and are frequently played on the radio during the season.

Around a decade earlier, Bing Crosby debuted "I'll Be Home for Christmas," a melancholy Christmas standard about a soldier stationed overseas who dreams of coming home for the holidays. Como's tune shares the sentiment, albeit in a more upbeat fashion. His characters actually do make it home in time for the festivities, braving holiday gridlock ("gee, the traffic is terrific!") for a slice of homemade pumpkin pie.

Allen's widow, Patty K. Allen, told New Jersey's Jewish Standard that producer Mitch Miller gave the songwriting duo just one day to come up with a holiday hit for Como. Allen retreated to Rockefeller Center and, inspired by the ice skaters, wrote the music that afternoon and gave it to Stillman, who wrote the lyrics that night.