Sheet Music
Free lead sheets for those looking for something to play.
One of the oldest Christmas carols we know of, dating from the 16th century or earlier.
I bet they wished there was an Internet connection up on the mountain so they could just send an email.
After a few mugs of eggnog, when I’m feeling the need to do some croonin’, this is my go to jam.
The origin of this Christmas carol lies in the English tradition wherein wealthy people of the community gave Christmas treats to the carolers on Christmas Eve, such as “figgy pudding” that was very much like modern-day Christmas puddings.
Composed in Austria by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr in 1818. During the Christmas Truce of 1914 during World War I, both American and German troops sung this at the same time, as it was the only song they both knew.
“She sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.” I never knew that Santa Claus was the US government!
In 1824, Ernst Anschütz wrote the modern lyrics of the German Christmas song O Tannenbaum, using an olk folk song for the music. The next time someone remarks how the best Christmas carols are in English, remind them of this song (and Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, etc…) But we’ve still got Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer!
As much as we may dream of flying off to Hawaii in the middle of a nor’easter, I don’t think I could really get used to spending Christmas day in shorts and a t-shirt. All day in pajamas, however…