The Pokémon Intrigue Before Christmas

"Twas the night before Christmas,

When all through the house

Not a creature was stirring,

Not even Meowth,

...

But I heard him exclaim

As he drove off to the mall:

'Happy Pokémon Christmas -

Catch 'em all, catch 'em all!'"

-- "The Night Before Christmas", from Pokémon Christmas Bash 

For some people, Christmas isn't complete without a certain poem, whether read, recited, or reenacted. That certain poem is the original version that was then modified for inclusion in Pokémon Christmas Bash, corresponding to the above excerpt. Almost the entire original English dub cast of the Pokémon anime had a hand (rather, voice) in this modified version, for which the modifications are indicated by the underlined parts above. It's another unique yet odd track on this album, having certain intrigues about it.

Before discussing the modified version, a little background on the original version is in order. Also known (more properly) as "A Visit from St. Nicholas", the poem has a bit of an authorship dispute. What is not disputed, however, is that the poem has had a great influence in establishing Christmas nuances and traditions, including the giving of gifts, the illustrious nature of Santa, and even the names of reindeer (in Pokémon terms, this would perhaps be Stantler). It's a sufficiently famed poem for that reason.

As for the modified poem, aside from altering the verses a bit, this modified version also includes dialogue. In fact, the track starts off with the premise of Ash having gone out to get firewood, followed by him and Misty "running into" the poem. Shenanigans then occur as the cast joins in, including Team Rocket, reading different parts of the poem. The only "musical" part about this is the subtle background accompaniment; in effect, this is the only "spoken" track of the album aside from the one from three years ago, technically speaking (see below).

It could be said, then, that by playing into this poem, there is the intent to bring out those familiar Christmas nuances and show that even there, Pokémon can be pervasive. Like the album in general, the bringing together of Christmas and Pokémon could be said to be a little forced, yet as it happens here, it can become somewhat entertaining for at least some of its biggest fans like me. With the two together and the intrigue that they create, it seems that fans do indeed have a complete Christmas.

One year ago: It's Gotta Be... A Big and Red Guy

Two years ago: The Mistletoe Dangled Over...

Three years ago: Christmas Song, Really

Four years ago: Let's Go Play with Buddies

Five years ago: Keeping Homes in Hearts

Six years ago: Cool Wintry Song