The original lyrics are all about how "next year" things will be better, so, for now, be happy with that hope.

Most importantly, the bridge is not:

Through the years we all will be together if the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.

(A lyric which is inelegant and makes little sense)

It's:

Someday soon we all will be together, if the Fates allow
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow.

It's sort of the opposite of what's going on with Sam, but opposite is better than not really related.

This is Abi Soapbox Speech #8, Abbreviated version.

Many real tears here, too, Bev. The amulet! I almost ... I don't know, fainted? SO GOOD.

Thanks, Abi! I had no idea. Shows you how much I pay attention to some lyrics.

That was excellent. (Why is my cat settling down on my knitting???)

Yeah, they cast the boys very well.

I also love how much thinner John's book is in the past.

Okay, is meadow sweet - rue? And is that why you make wreaths out of holly? (Doesn't holly protect from evil?)

And, I can't wait to see this on HD over Christmas! So perfect.

I got sniffly, but no actual tears. May, though, May's gonna get me.

I have 3 recordings with the original lyrics, 2 of which are from Meet Me In St Louis recordings, the source of the song. It's not likely you'd heard them before.

eta: Well, mistletoe protects you from werewolves, so sure, why not!

Also, both kids have been watching the game film, because they used some mannerisms and some delivery technique. Mad props to the casting people.

Kid casting really is awesome in this show. You can tell there is attention to detail in EVERYTHING.

Honestly, the amulet reveal got the same sort of thrill reaction from me as a wifebeater-removal scene in a movie the other night. Completely unexpected, and beautifully presented.

But what really brought the tears was the "It's my last." "I know. That's why I can't."

These actors do so much with the barest dialog. They can just sit in the same room and not look at each other and speak volumes. It's so rare in tv, I sort of treasure every time the writers let it happen. And Sam's face, when Dean walks in, trying so hard. Wanting to make it a good memory, wanting to make his brother's last Christmas the best. These guys kill me. They just do.

Damnit, Beverly, you're post is making me cry again.

But what really brought the tears was the "It's my last." "I know. That's why I can't."

I know. Although I'm wondering why (or if) Sam has let himself believe he can't save Dean. I want to believe he's still plotting, deep down. I hope.

And Dean's question, about why Sam's about face, just killed me. What killed me more was Sam not even admitting that Dean once made Christmas for him, just letting it go.

Oh, BOYS.

2 of which are from Meet Me In St Louis recordings, the source of the song. It's not likely you'd heard them before.

So was that Judy singing on the show? Here's to all the soldiers families then, and all of them now.

Dude! and they make a big deal about sending this show to the troops! Merry Christmas Card indeed.

It wasn't Judy (IIRC, she was pretty darn young when the movie was filmed, so she sounds more or less exactly like she did as Dorothy on the soundtrack).

They seemed to have both versions of the bridge on the recording they used, which is odd.