We Wish You a Merry Christmas
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.
Silent Night
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.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
“She sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.” I never knew that Santa Claus was the US government!
O Christmas Tree
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 […]
Mele Kalikimaka
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…
Let It Snow
Written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne in July 1945 in Hollywood, California during a nasty heat wave. I myself, while braving New England winters, often imagined myself on a Californian beach, so I know how they felt.
La Marimorena
A lively choice of song if you’re looking for a Bethlehem/Christmas Eve type ditty. Have fun with the synalephas.
Joy to the World
Who knew that as of the late 20th century, “Joy to the World” was the most-published Christmas hymn in North America.