The ringing bells. That smooth, sweet voice. And those first few poignant lines:

“Someday at Christmas, men won’t be boys, playing with bombs like kids play with toys…One warm December, our hearts will see, a world where men are free…”

Stevie Wonder’s Christmas classic, “Someday at Christmas,” was first recorded and released back in 1967. Growing up in my house, this was a staple of the holiday season and is still one of my absolute favorite Christmas songs.

But I always feel just a little sad when I hear it (yes, even the more upbeat version The Jackson 5 recorded in 1970). Because regardless of the tempo or the artist, the lyrics of the song reflect the times many were living in back in the late 60s. A time of strife and struggle. Of racism and activism. Of the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-war protests.

A time that feels eerily similar to where we find ourselves now.

So I was pleasantly surprised and proud to see that Lizzo chose to cover this Christmas classic on Saturday Night Live last night.

I couldn’t think of a better, more relevant way to usher in the holidays, say farewell to a tough yet beautiful yet sad year, and welcome in one that is hopefully closer to the world Wonder, and Lizzo, sing about:

“Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime

Someday at Christmas we’ll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
Our world where people care

Someday at Christmas there’ll be no tears
When all men are equal and no man has fears
One shining moment one prayer away
From our world today”

Watch Lizzo’s performance below:

Check out Stevie’s original version here: 

Back in November, when Lizzo released her version of “Someday at Christmas,” she explained why she chose this song specifically:

“I chose to cover ‘Someday at Christmas’ not just because it’s a classic, but because it’s a reminder to us that almost 60 years later, we are still fighting for peace, compassion, and equality. A friendly reminder to spread love and kindness this holiday season.”

~