SeedSing's Advent Calendar of Awesome Holiday Music: Day 11 - Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus?

The pre-Christmas Day season of Advent is upon us. Here at SeedSing we love the chocolaty goodness of getting a piece of candy once a day until we get to open our presents. As our gift to you we will present a new awesome holiday song for every day of Advent. This is the greatest music of the season. Enjoy.

Day 11: Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus? by Guster

Opened Doors: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten

I never questioned the science behind Santa Claus. How did he get to every house in a few hours? How did he really know what each person individually wanted? Why did other reindeer not fly? These were not the questions on my mind. Santa was a magical being, that was all the explanation I needed. Every Christmas Eve I never questioned how the big man did his job, the only question on my mind late into the night is where is Santa Claus.

In 1959 "Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus" first hit the airwaves. Twelve year old Augie Rios was the original artist to sing the part Spanish and part English Christmas tune. Waiting up to see Santa is captured with childlike joy on the song. The singer is excited because today is Christmas Eve, and he wants his mother to answer the question, where is Santa. The excitement is keeping the little boy up, he just wants to get a peek at Santa, his sleigh, and the mix of traditional and Latin reindeer (Pancho and Pedro should be included in all reindeer related tunes).

Many people have covered "Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus", but the artists who tackle the song have always been trying to mimic the annoying high pitch sound of the original. It was a tune of great words, not great singing. Finally in 2003 the indie band Guster recorded an awesome low key version of the song for the collection of Christmas music on Maybe This Christmas Too? The band took the grating sound of the original, and dialed it way down. There is still a Latin musical influence in Gusters version, highlighted by some awesome steel drums. The easy going, laid back version of "Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus" by Guster took the great words of the original, and made it a great Christmas tune.

On Christmas Eve I will be filled with anticipation. Where is the big red sleigh being piloted by the bearded fat man? Is Pedro still flying next to Donner? Did Santa pack his castanets? All these questions will be in my head, and to calm down I will let Guster ask the same questions. We do not question the science of the man, we just want to know donde esta Santa Claus.

RD Kulik

RD is the Head Editor for SeedSing. He hopes Santa packs some new writers in his sleigh. If he did, make sure you come on over and write for us.