A Partridge Family Christmas Card Goes Global

Did you know that "A Partridge Family Christmas Card" was released all across the globe?

In addition to the US release, Japan, Mexico and England all had their versions, too! The track listings were always the same, as was the order of the songs on each side of the LP. And 45 RPM singles were released worldwide, too!

Wes Farrell, The Partridge Family's music producer, commissioned Tony Romeo to write a brand new Christmas song which was recorded and included as the first track on side one. Called "My Christmas Card To You," it's a fan favorite and can be heard by clicking here! It is one of the best Partridge Family songs ever recorded, full of rich orchestration with instruments not used on other Partridge recordings. French and English horns, recorders, bass clarinet and flutes create a decidedly holiday spirit. The harpsichord, which has become part of the trademark sound of The Partridge Family's music can be heard prominently too. "My Christmas Card To You" also exhibits some wonderfully complex and harmonious background vocals from John Bahler and company. To hear the magic of this song is alone worth the price of admission. What are you waiting for? Go pour some eggnogg and give a listen!

Here, in no particular order are the various different covers of "A Partridge Family Christmas Card" released across the globe:

This is the first version of The Partridge Family Christmas Card, released in the US in October, 1971. The Christmas card and envelope were offered as an insert on the front cover. The photo for the card was taken by Gene Trindl, the same photographer that took the cast photo for their second TV Guide cover.

This US version was re-released the following year, in 1972. This time the Christmas card was printed on the cover instead of being a separate insert. The back cover was the same as the 1971 release, with the exception of an offer to join the All-New 1972 Partridge Family Fan Club. The track listings remained the same.

England released this version, titled "The Partridge Family Christmas Album." Strangely, there's no Christmas themed artwork to this release. The tracks remained the same, and the Christmas card wasn't offered. This was the second version that was released in the UK. The first can be viewed by scrolling up to a later NEWS story.

Even Japan got into the Christmas spirit -- which is surprising for a country that doesn't traditionally celebrate the season! Japan went all out for their release, with a gatefold cover, song lyrics and the same Christmas card/envelope offered with the US release. In fact, most of Japan's Partridge Family releases were much more elaborate than the US versions, and included posters, song lyrics and gatefold covers.

This version is from Mexico, and titled Feliz Navidad. The Christmas card is printed on the LP jacket rather than the separate card/envelope insert available with the initial US release. The track listings remain the same. And in case you're wondering, Mi Tarjeta De Navidad Para Ti means "My Christmas Card To You."

Here's yet another release of Christmas Card. If anyone knows which country this was released in, email us at news@cmongethappy.com and we'll amend the post.

If you have any other versions and would like to share, email us a scan at: news@cmongethappy.com!