I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day – Wizzard

This track by Wizzard spent five weeks in the UK top 10 in 1973 and 1974.

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Forty years ago this week, I wish it could be Christmas every day by Wizzard was at its highest position of number 4 in the UK singles chart for the second of four weeks. It had entered the top 40 three weeks previously at number 19 and broke into the top 10 a week later. After falling from its peak position, the song spent two more weeks in the lower top 40 and then left the chart.

I wish it could be Christmas every day was released on the Harvest record label and was the fourth of six UK top 10 hits for Wizzard. It has been re-issued at Christmas many times and has been a top 40 hit in 1973, 1984, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

In 2000, Wizzard frontman Roy Wood teamed up with the Wombles and combined I wish it could be Christmas every day with Wombling merry Christmas from 1974 to create I wish it could be a Wombling Christmas, taking the resulting single to number 22. A cover version of the song has been released this year by the Big Reunion Cast 2013 and currently sits at number 21 in the UK chart.

The original 1973 version of the song, which was credited to Wizzard featuring vocal backing by the Suedettes plus the Stockland Green Bilateral School First Year Choir with additional noises by Miss Snob and Class 3C, was certified silver.

More music from Wizzard

 

UK singles chart for the week ending 29 December 1973

1. Merry Xmas everybody – Slade

2. I love you love me love – Gary Glitter

3. You won’t find another fool like me – New Seekers

4. I wish it could be Christmas every day – Wizzard

5. My coo ca choo – Alvin Stardust

6. Paper roses – Marie Osmond

7. The show must go on – Leo Sayer

8. Lamplight – David Essex

9. Roll away the stone – Mott The Hoople

10. Street life – Roxy Music