I think the majority of people can agree that this song, an old English Christmas carol with lyrics dating back to the late 18^th century, is more a nuisance song than an enjoyable song. Still, especially for children, it’s always fun to sing. Especially if it’s done in a novelty style such as “The Twelve Pains of Christmas” by Bob Rivers or the version by Bob & Doug McKenzie.

But my favorite version of this irritating tune is the one sung by John Denver and the Muppets. The group performed it together as the opening for their 1979 special John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together. It’s also the first song that appears on their Christmas album. It always brings back fond memories of my childhood and I’m so glad I’ve passed my love of the Muppets on to my daughter, who has greatly embraced them and enjoys this Christmas album as well.

It’s always fun to hear Miss Piggy chime in with “five…go-lden…rings!” and eventually the rest of the gang joins in with “ba-dum-dum-dum”, completely throwing Piggy off guard.