Slade Legend Noddy Holder's Enduring Christmas Tradition

Slade frontman Noddy Holder, the voice behind the iconic Christmas anthem “Merry Xmas Everybody”, recently shared a heartwarming and hilarious anecdote about his Christmas morning routine during an appearance on BBC Breakfast. For over three decades, Holder has been waking his wife, Suzan, with a spirited rendition of his famous catchphrase, “It’s Christmas!”, a tradition that continues to this day. He still does it with the same gusto as he did back in Slade's prime.

A Christmas Morning Ritual

Suzan Holder, speaking alongside her husband, described the annual tradition, punctuating her remarks with a playful gesture to show how she reacted to the early morning shout. She revealed that the festive yell, while charming to some, is nothing less than a jarring wake-up call for her every Christmas morning. 'Every Christmas morning, that’s how he wakes me up. Seriously. It’s been 30 odd years and I’m still...', she said trailing off into a humorous demonstration of her startled reaction.

More Than Just a Shout

It's not a simple shout, however; it's a full-blown performance. 'If you think it’s loud on the record, or you hear it in the supermarket, imagine on the pillow when you wake up or are asleep!' Suzan quipped, painting a vivid picture of the experience. This isn't just any Christmas morning; it's a Christmas morning extravaganza with Noddy Holder leading the charge. The family home and the neighbors likely get a loud and festive wake up call, making it the most spirited neighborhood in town during Christmas morning.

The morning, however, does start with a slightly gentler note. Suzan explained, “It’s actually a cup of tea first. He does put a cup of tea down and then he does it.” This provides a sort of gentler prelude to the main event. It's as if he's giving her a moment to adjust before the full force of his festive spirit hits.

A Hero's Festive Catchphrase

Holder, ever the showman, demonstrated his continued vocal power by belting out a resounding “Merry Christmas Everybody!” on live television. This electrifying shout, a testament to his enduring vocal prowess, highlighted the strength that made him a beloved music icon. The years may have flown by, but his voice remains as strong as ever, echoing his unforgettable performance from all those years ago. Noddy's ability to carry the strength of his iconic voice continues to amaze his fans.

However, recreating his signature “It’s Christmas!” on the show proved more challenging. He explained that contractual obligations prevented him from doing so but promised an equivalent show of festive cheer. His response to Charlie Stayt's request to shout his catchphrase underscored the balance between his dedication to his work and his humorous outlook. He highlighted his willingness to participate and entertain but also understood and respected the constraints placed upon him by his management and sponsors.

The Everlasting Spirit of Christmas

Despite the restrictions, Noddy Holder's unbridled Christmas spirit shines through. The ritual, as silly as it might seem, speaks volumes about the couple's enduring love and shared sense of humor. It perfectly encapsulates the joyful absurdity often associated with the Christmas season and reminds us to embrace the silly things. This yearly tradition, as unusual as it is, solidifies its place as an indelible part of the Holder family Christmas tradition and demonstrates that it's not just a catchphrase but a cherished moment. The sheer longevity of the act is a testament to the couple's enduring bond and their ability to keep the spirit of Christmas alive and kicking.

A Charitable Endeavor

This festive revelation coincided with the couple's involvement in a charity raffle for East Cheshire Hospice. Noddy Holder generously donated an exclusive sculpture of himself, wearing his iconic mirror hat, a piece created by artist Patty Callaghan. This act of generosity highlights the deeper meaning behind the celebratory spirit of Christmas. He's not just a man who shouts, “It’s Christmas!”, he's a man who uses his platform and his talents to support worthwhile causes.

The charity's fundraising initiatives contribute to the well-being of countless people, and the partnership further enhances the festive cheer by adding a compassionate and supportive dimension to the Christmas season. His participation in the charity drive proves he's more than just the icon that sings the song; he's a man who actively participates in giving back to the community and bringing positive change.

The combination of his Christmas cheer and his philanthropic work show a multi-faceted personality that goes beyond the musical icon.

The combination of Holder's infectious enthusiasm and charitable work perfectly embodies the true spirit of Christmas, spreading both festive joy and generosity to those who need it most. It’s a heartwarming story that perfectly embodies the spirit of giving back and the enduring power of Christmas cheer.

You can check out details of the Noddy Holder sculpture raffle to find out more and contribute to a worthy cause.