November 28, 2007
“Most sales are after Christmas / But Clark’s is just before”
The year Wade and I were engaged, I came home with him for Christmas. It was odd to be with someone else’s family for the holidays, particularly since Wade has a large extended family and there were about four million people at my in-law’s house on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
I exaggerate. I think there were only about 80. Seriously.
Plus, I had the flu, and was hepped up on codeine-laced cough syrup for the whole week. THAT was a GOOD Christmas.
The best part, though, was Wade and his sister and brother spontaneously bursting out with the B. C. Clark Christmas jingle. B. C. Clark is a jewelry store, a local institution of sorts; it has been around forever, and is one of those places that everyone knows about, even if you’ve never bought anything there, and everyone knows the jingle. It’s the Unofficial Christmas Carol of Oklahoma City.
Now, years later, I know all the words to the B. C. Clark Christmas jingle, too, and I’m teaching it to the kids. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not. It’s a catchy little tune, and it’s part of Christmas in Oklahoma City. Plus I figure if I sing it enough, maybe Wade will get the urge to GO to B. C. Clark and BUY me something.
You can listen to the jingle here, if you really want to know what Christmas sounds like at my house. And I wear a size 6 ring, in case the holiday spirit seizes you.
Posted by Susan @ 9:44 am • just happy to be here, when you're here you're family
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November 28th, 2007 at 12:22 pm, okiemom Says:
Actual conversation at my house on Thanksgiving night:
(yelling from living room) “Hey, the holidays are officially here now!”
“How can you tell?”
“They just ran the BC Clark commercial.”
Yep, it’s as Okie as chicken-fried steak. I love it. Dearly.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:29 pm, Callie Says:
My husband and I grew up in OK and started our marriage in Norman. We haven’t lived there in 8 years but anytime we go home to visit family or to an OU basketball game we see who can sing it the loudest and “most correct” when we hear it on the radio! Gotta love those Okies!!!!
November 28th, 2007 at 12:46 pm, daysgoby Says:
Oh, Susan, that’s so sweet.
Funny, watching Jim Clark age over the spots, huh?
Post video of your boys, huh?
November 28th, 2007 at 1:00 pm, slynnro Says:
I’m not from Oklahoma, but my best friend is. And I’ve heard all about B.C. Clark.
November 28th, 2007 at 2:04 pm, M&Co. Says:
Actually it’s only been around since 1892. Sing the song in your head.
November 28th, 2007 at 3:09 pm, chilihead Says:
OH YES! In Tulsa we don’t get the BC Clark song, but I grew up in Enid so we got it all. the. time. When I visit my mom around the holidays it’s always on the tv!
November 28th, 2007 at 3:48 pm, All Adither Says:
I love it. When I listen to that jingle I feel like I’m in White Christmas.
November 28th, 2007 at 4:03 pm, Stephenie F. Says:
I grew up in Oklahoma and now live far, far away. It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without hearing that little jingle in between my favorite TV shows. That’s for putting up the link–just a little piece of home to enjoy!
November 28th, 2007 at 7:29 pm, D Says:
My husband’s extended family at one point was - ta da - 50. We counted the family photo. In a small house with three bathrooms, it seemed like a LOT more.
Don’t know the jingle - listened though. I could imagine the group singing it on the Burns and Allen show silencing out George, though.
November 28th, 2007 at 7:41 pm, Helen Says:
This is so much fun! I’m from New Jersey (born and raised in NYC) and we have nothing like this where we are. Makes we want to move to middle America.
You should check them out on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDGAeYjmmOc,
so funny!
November 28th, 2007 at 7:54 pm, Susan Says:
Helen! That was HILARIOUS! Thank you.
Good lord that was funny.
November 28th, 2007 at 8:32 pm, Nicole Says:
My husband and I have lived in Oklahoma for a year and a half. Last year, by the end of the holiday, I was starting to sing along. My husband now looks at me strangly as I sing the song EVERY TIME it comes on!
November 28th, 2007 at 10:23 pm, mark Says:
My wife is an only child, I am the oldest of three. My parents were the hub of the family for both sides, so holiday’s involve 50 to 75, including multiple people we are not related to, but have no where else to go. (My Dad spent 40+ years working with juvenile delinquents) so holidays are chaos.
She came home asking for name tags for the next holiday.
(My Dad holds 3 fish fries a year, where 50-60 people show up)
November 29th, 2007 at 8:27 am, Lori Says:
I’m from OK and I have never heard of this amazing place called Clark’s. I must make a trek over there to play. I know that Bartlesville used to have Derryberry’s. Is that somewhat similar for anyone who knew Derryberry’s? (I got a lovely ruby and diamond ring from my papa from there)
November 29th, 2007 at 10:19 am, Kendra Says:
Shiny baubles are good,VERY GOOD. Got one last week for my 10 yr. anniversary. Love that guy!
November 29th, 2007 at 7:19 pm, Penny Says:
I’m somewhat the opposite of Helen. Grew up in OKC, now living in NJ.
The BC Clark Sale song is my favorite jingle EVARH! I thought it wasn’t possible, but you just made me miss Oklahoma. Thanks. (:
November 29th, 2007 at 9:42 pm, Kristie Says:
Oh my gosh, I wouldn’t have thought it was possible, but I had completely forgotten about the BC Clark jingle. Now that I have moved back to OKC after twenty years away, however, I will be looking immensely forward to it again. As I am immensely looking forward to the Sephora store in Penn Square, although I know you weren’t thrilled (from reading a previous entry of yours.) But hey, ALL KINDS of perks to moving back home to OK, right?!