Christmas carols

christmas songs

christmascarols1 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:06:42 +0000

christmas songs

christmas songs

While the holiday season once again comes around, the familiar strains of well worn Christmas carols sing out from radio and television. First came the carolers walking around the small village singing carols in exchange for a cup of hot wassail to warm them as they sang their way through the evening. Then came radios echoing the beautiful strains of Joy to the World as well as Silent Night. Then was the advent of television and a huge number of Christmas shows were produced. These shows became the yearly Christmas classics that we appreciate.One of these greatest classics is Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, especially adapted for these shows. Who has not heard of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his conversion from a spiteful and greedy old geezer to a kind, munificent and grandfatherly gentleman? Any adaptation of this work features largely a large number of reknowned Christmas songs. A variety of young boys are caroling – known as “wassailing” as well – songs like “Silent Night”, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” in hopes of receiving a cup of the hot alcoholic and spicy drink or a piece of cake.Another of these Christmas shows is the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, performed by James Stewart and Henry Travers. Remember George Bailey and the angel Clarence Odbody… The angel has been sent on earth to show George, depressed, all the good he has done to people around him. At the end of the movie, the entire family gathered around the Christmas tree and sang “Joy to the World”. This film shows us that life is really wonderful.In all movie genre, there is one whose music will become an international and eternal success… I am talking about “White Christmas” sung by the only, the unique, the fantastic Bing Crosby! This Christmas song is still regarded as the most popular in the world!Bing Crosby had a Christmas special for several years until his death in 1977. Actually, on every one of these shows he would have an infinite number of co-stars from movies he made – such as Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye. Everyone of them would sing such classics as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Jingle Bells”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and many others. And the very last Christmas special of Bing Crosby was a wonderful one as David Bowie did a duet with him. It was a rendition of The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth. It is, perhaps, other than White Christmas, considered to be one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever made.
christmas songs

christmas songs

christmascarols1 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:02:38 +0000

christmas songs

christmas songs

Christmas, or The Lords Birth, is a Christian commemoration day celebrated on the 25th of December (in the Gregorian calendar) or the 7th of January (in the Julian calendar) every year. It belongs to the twelve Lordly Commemorations (royal church festivals) of the Byzantine Churches, the third big commemoration after Easter and Pentecost.In certain countries where Christians are a majority, Christmas is also a statutory holiday and it extends on the next day, the 26th of December: the second day of Christmas. For children it is known under the name of “Santa’s gifts” occasion on which everybody sings Romanian Christmas songs.Everywhere you can find Romanian people with Christian feeling, as Christmas is one of the most important religious commemorations, and it is the Lord’s Birth Commemoration, a moment of joy, spiritual peace and silence. It represents a day of giving and receiving a lot of love and spiritual warmth. This is easily noticed in the enthusiasm of Christmas preparation.For linguists the word “Christmas” is an odd word. Some say that it comes from Latin, “creatio”, which means creation, birth. In folklore, they say the Virgin Mary, when she was supposed to have God’s son, she wandered along with the right Josef from home to home asking for shelter. These aspects are mentioned in Romania Christmas songs.Reaching the house of certain “Christmas”, she is taken by his wife into the stable, where she gives birth to Jesus. They also say that in the holy night of Christ’s birth, the skies opened and the Holy Spirit descended over the Son of God illuminating the gloomy stable. Therefore, Christmas is a holy commemoration that brings light in people’s hearts, fact that is mentioned in carols too.Christmas holiday is announced through children’s habit of singing Romanian Christmas songs, from door to door, in order to inform the Birth of the Saviour. An old tradition also is “going with the icon”, performed by the local community priests with the icon of Lord’s Birth, blessing the houses and their Christians. Winter carols are sung rite texts dedicated to Christmas and New Year. Their origins are lost somewhere in the ancient times of Romanian history.When Jesus was born, on the sky appeared the star that lead the three magic kings at the place of birth, the children, three just like the kings, go door to door singing “The star rises up…” carol, carrying a star with them. Christmas Eve starts with the “Good morning, Santa Eve!” carol and the children singing carols are well received in the adorned, beautiful homes. The children are rewarded by the hosts with fruits, cracknels, sweets and even money.Romanian Christmas songs and carol singing habits are present at other nations too and they might date since the Romanization. For example, the Romanian carol “Scoala, gazda, din patut” is also found at other peoples. Actually, you can remember that peoples and languages were the same in Biblical times, so there could be many common cultural aspects concerning carols lyrics. These songs, sung in general by children bring us hope and joy every year at this time.
christmas songs

christmas songs

christmascarols1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:53:58 +0000

christmas songs

christmas songs

German Christmas traditions are fun to include in your own annual Christmas traditions. It doesn’t matter if you’re of German descent or not. These are some fun German traditions to do with your entire family, especially the children.On December 21, which is the shortest day of the year, the feast of St. Thomas is celebrated. Whomever is the latest to get up in the morning, or shows up last to work is the Thomas Donkey for the day. The Thomas Donkey is given a donkey cutout and are the butt of many jokes throughout the day. At the end of the day yummy Thomasplitzchen, iced current buns, are eaten and the abuse of the Thomas Donkey ends.On Christmas Eve, before the huge feast, is the presentation of the Christmas tree. This is one German tradition that has gone all over the world. In Germany, the Christmas tree is not allowed to be seen until Christmas Eve. The children are kept entertained in another room, usually by Father, while Mother gets out the tree and decorates it with fruit, candy, cookies, angels, lights, trains, family ornaments and tinsel. She also places the presents under the tree. Decorated plates are set out for everyone in the family. The plates are loaded with fruits, nuts marzipan, biscuits and fruit. A bell is rung and the children run into the room to celebrate. German Christmas songs are sung, the Christmas story is read and the gifts are opened.Christmas Eve also goes by another name, Dickbauch which means fat stomach. There is a German tradition that if you do not eat a lot on Christmas Eve you will be harassed by demons all night long. I always thought if you ate too much before sleeping you’d have an upset stomach all night!
christmas songs

christmas songs

christmascarols1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:43:25 +0000

christmas songs

christmas songs

I know lately it seems I have a little extra spring in my step or maybe I have flashed my smile a little more often, maybe even been a little more kind I hope. Christmas is in the air and it is fast approaching. It doesn’t matter what store you go to or what show you are watching you will be entertained by the songs of Christmas. For me when I hear Mariah Carey’s All I want for Christmas Is You I know to take time and enjoy the moment because before we know it, the last present has been opened and Christmas will have to wait for yet another year. So for now let’s listen and enjoy all of the Christmas music we can and most of all enjoy it with the ones you love.Here is a list of my favorite Christmas music1) Here Comes Santa Claus – Gene Autry2) The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole3) Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer- Gene Autry4) Peace on Earth /Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie5) White Christmas – Bing Crosby6) A Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives7) All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey8) Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire – Nat King Cole9) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Bruce Springsteen10) Last Christmas – WhamThis is a list of songs that I enjoy listening to at Christmas along with many others and I hope you find this list useful when making a list of songs to download or cds to buy.
christmas songs

christmas songs

christmascarols1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:33:28 +0000

christmas songs

christmas songs

Christmas carols are already in the air and the anticipation for the holidays has begun. Time to think of gifts before the mob crowds the malls. Come Christmas, let kind thoughts flow like rivers from Cross fountain pens.Each Man to His SongThe visions of chestnuts roasting in the fire and families gathering at the hearth to sing along to Christmas songs – each man to his favorite Christmas song – are beloved memories especially with the kids grown and have flown the coop.These are the victuals of personal journals written with Cross fountain pens. Each story flows like streams, gentle and poignant at times. Sometimes with a feeling of regret and loss and lonely yearnings echoed in these lines sung by Bing Crosby:You’re all I want for Christmas All I want my whole life through Each day is just like Christmas Anytime that I’m with youAs generations change, the thoughts change too. Note this Christmas song of Kenny Chesney:All I want for Christmas is a real good tan Take me to the Islands put my feet in the sand Rockin’ to and fro to the rhythm of the ocean Singing Silent Night with the palm trees blowin’. . .The Classical Christmas MusicJingle Bells or One Horse Open Sleigh, was written by James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893) and gained instant popularity. Other classic songs are the First Noel, Adeste Fideles, Deck the Walls with Boughs of Holly, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, and All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth – are some samples of the best loved Christmas songs.New Christmas songs will come out of the woodwork but the classics will endure – like the all time favorite Christmas gifts of Cross fountain pens, money clips, dolls, wallets, and toy trains.Adding a Special Touch to your GiftsWhy not attach a letter to your engraved grandfather clock (for your wife) money clips or Cross fountain pens for your boss and friends in the workplace? It will make your recipients feel extra special. This gesture will earn you their appreciation.Children aged 7 and up can already appreciate short notes attached to their gifts from uncles and aunties and gift giving becomes personal not automated.Write Those Christmas ThoughtsOne meaningful Christmas ritual is writing your Christmas journal. If you have the patience for this, you’ll be amazed at the transitions of your Christmases through the years – the anecdotes, the fun, frenzied cooking, filling up those stockings hung by the fireplace, and the opening of Santa’s gifts – all written with your collection of Cross fountain pens.You can even invite your grown-up kids to read those Christmas journals and reminisce those holidays when they were still creating snowmen with the help of Dad or having ridiculous snowball fights with other kids on the block.This Christmas, make the season truly special for family and friends. Write them lovely letters give them lasting gifts that will always remind them of Christmases with you. Let your words flow and sparkle, and make more memories with your Cross fountain pens.
christmas songs

christmas songs

christmascarols1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:23:50 +0000

christmas songs

christmas songs

What do kids love most about Christmas? The gifts, of course! When Santa and the elves dream big, children explode with delight. But the holiday season is about more than gift giving, and kids celebrate Christmas in a variety of ways. Chief among them are Christmas carols. There’s no better way for kids to spread a little Yuletide cheer than singing “Joy to the World” at the top of their lungs. Thankfully for those of us who see the magic of the Yuletide season most clearly through the eyes of children, there are plenty of great kids carols to go around. Here, we’d like to present you with the 10 kids Christmas songs we think are the best of the best, in no particular order:Joy to the World – Okay, we have to start with this one because we’ve already made a fuss over it. This song reminds us what Christmas is all about.Frosty the Snowman – What kid doesn’t love to sing this song? There’s no beating a white Christmas, and building a snowman with mom and dad is as fun as it gets.Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Without question the most popular and endearing children’s Christmas carol of all-time.Jingle Bells – “Dashing through the snow …” Can you finish the next line? Of course you can, all the way to the chorus! And your kids can, too. This song is as catchy as they come.Here Comes Santa Claus – This song is filled with anticipation and promise. Kids go to bed on Christmas Eve with its words in their heads … “’cause Santa Claus comes tonight!”Here We Come A-Caroling – Festive and upbeat, this is indeed the quintessential caroling song. It even wishes a happy new year. What more could you want?Up on the Housetop – Another song about Santa. Could the picture get any clearer? Santa’s impending arrival is definitely worth singing about!The 12 Days of Christmas – Thought we might forget this one, didn’t you? Not a chance.Winter Wonderland – Christmas is magical no matter the weather. But let’s face it, waking up to a Winter Wonderland on the big day certainly helps set the mood!O Christmas Tree – Across America, elementary schools often celebrate the season before the holiday break with caroling or choirs. This song is on the set list almost without fail. It pays homage to the very tree we meticulously decorate each December, the tree under which Santa leaves gifts for the kids who have been good. The Christmas Tree is an integral part of our tradition. How can we not sing about it?So there you have it, the 10 best kids Christmas songs ever written. How’d we do? We’re sure we left off a few, but there are just too many great songs not to.
christmas songs

christmas songs

christmascarols1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:14:14 +0000

christmas songs

christmas songs

Christmas songs are as assorted and diverse as anything I can think of. But what exactly do I mean by that statement? Well just think about the incredible variety of Christmas songs that have been produced throughout the years and I think you’ll agree. If you grew up in snowy regions you may recall going for sleigh rides or caroling around a snow-covered tree.Of course, roasting chestnuts on an open fire is something you may have not only done, but also listened to Bing Crosby saying about. And of course hearing sleigh bells in the snow and dreaming of a white Christmas are ageless lyrics that will endure forever. If you had any number of Christmases from 1969 through the early seventies, the early eighties, the early nineties, or the early oughtsthat is, through the Vietnam, Granada, Gulf War, and current wars you may think of how much meaning the song I’ll be home for Christmas has. And who can forget all of those wonderful Perry Como and Bing Crosby Christmas specials that were filled with beautiful Christmas songs.And, of course, many of us will fondly recall at least an earful of kids songs, chattered by The Chipmunks, lead vocalist Alvin notwithstanding; All I Want for Christmas (is My Two Front Teeth); and the racy I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.But Christmas songs like so many other things continue to evolve. From the beautiful and stirring classics like O Holy Night (which is my personal favorite) and Little Drummer Boy, sung by cute little kids in Christmas pageants or pious choirs once a year without fail and simple ditties about food and presents and figgy pudding and nog, Christmas songs have gone into penetrating, challenging, bonding, and spiritually elevating realms. Just hearing the sounds can bring back a flood of wonderful memories.John Lennon, I think, started the trend of a Christmas song with a higher consciousnesswith And so this is Christmas, and what have you done? and And so this is Christmas (war is over), for weak and for strong (if you want it), the rich and the poor ones, the road is so long. Imagine (or remember) how those frolicky, campy, or solemn and religious Christmas songs now had the words war and fight directly stated rather than implied? This just goes to show you that even Christmas songs can contain political statements just as they contain statements of peace and love.And then came the unusual duo or unlikely star remake trends for Christmas songs, which were, really, equally moving: Bing Crosby joined David Bowie to remake The Little Drummer Boy. Which is one of my all-time favorite songs, by the way. And how about the king, Elvis Presley belting out “Blue Christmas”, how could you not love that?And for a few years we have strayed from lyrics, per se, and have indulged in the saintly sounds of chanting Monks. I love these original options, as much as I still get chills when I hear original or other versions of those songs that had such limited meaning when I was kid doing solos for the elementary school parents. Everyone is different of course, and our tastes in Christmas songs is no exception. But for my money I’ll take the old classics because as I see it these are not only beautiful Christmas songs but some of the sweetest sounds you’ll ever hear.
christmas songs

christmas carols

christmascarols1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:57:56 +0000

christmas carols

christmas carols

With Christmas just around the corner, can the haunting melody of carols be far behind? I have already started shopping for funny Christmas carols, because I just love them! I make it a point to buy at least two or three CDs of these carols every year. If you want to know where to get them, read on to find out!The best carols are those which appeal not only to the kids but also adults and old alike! In this article I am going to tell you about some of these carols, as well as where to buy them for cheap!1. Chipmunk Song: This is one song which I cannot do without; I always make it a point to listen to this traditional Christmas carol every year! David Seville had sung this song along with Alvin and the Chipmunks! It has a subtitle called “Christmas Don’t Be Late”. It is a very short carol of just two paragraphs; in fact it is one of the shortest Christmas carols available!However its length didn’t in any way hinder its success when it was first released way back in 1958! Even if you are not into the habit of listening to carols, I recommend you listen to this one at least!2. Here Comes Santa Claus: This is another famous Christmas carol that should be in the home of every Christmas lover! This song has a refrain after every stanza which goes like this: “Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus lane”. Unlike the Chipmunks song, which is just two paragraphs long, this one is much longer, about four paragraphs in total! It was written by Gene Autry and first released in 1947!3. Twelve Days of Christmas: Which die hard fan of Alvin and the Chipmunks haven’t heard of this carol? I recommend that you buy the Chipmunks version if available, since their rendition is exceptionally good! If you are bored and want a little laugh then this one is perfect for you! In fact you would find it hard to control your laughter as you listen to the funny twists in the rendition of this carol!4. Up On The House Top: This is one more song from Alvin and the Chipmunks which is very dear to my heart. This is one of the hit Christmas carols composed by Alvin and the Chipmunks on their own! Released in 1998, this carol became an instant hit with kids and youth alike!
christmas carols

christmas carols

christmascarols1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:48:32 +0000

christmas carols

christmas carols

Just in case you don’t know, Christmas carols are songs people listen to on the eve of Christmas! They are mostly in the form of musical hymns. There are literally many different types of hymns available which make it almost impossible to pick up the cream of the crop. In this article I will recommend you some of the top carols for Christmas 2008!Traditionally Christmas carols used to have a chord pattern which was akin to that of medieval times! This is the reason behind the unique melody of these carols! The tune is usually strong; some parts of the carol are assigned to the soloist and the others to the chorus! It was so designed as traditionally Christmas carols were sung in groups!Christmas carols lost their fame and popularity after Reformation, but fortunately they bounced back in the 19th century! In fact many composers of the mid-1800′s made their name and fame by composing Christmas carols, some of which are popular even today!I prefer the traditional carols because they are the true embodiment of the spirit of Christmas. The lyrics of these songs are religious and divine – just the type of songs you would expect on Christmas; after all, isn’t Christmas a celebration of Christ’s birth? However, the modern carols lack this religious fervor!Today’s carols are far far way from expressing the religious spirit of Christmas; these songs are less religious and more joyful and funny. There is a plus side of the modern-day carols though: since they are not Christmas specific, you could play them at any time and season! Okay, now let me tell you about two of my favorite Christmas carols.1. Silent Night: Obviously I would recommend you only traditional carols since they are my favorites. One of my favorites is the “Silent Night” which was first released as a Catholic hymn in 1871; subsequently it was translated in English. The original Catholic carol was released in Austria at a time when there were no regulation laws for hymns and carols!2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: This carol was originally in hymnal form when it was composed by Charles Wesley as a poem called “Hark! How All The Welkins Ring”. The reason why it was composed as a hymn is that Charles wrote it at a time when the English Civil war had ended, and the custom of singing Christmas carols had given way to that of singing hymnal songs! Much later it was turned into the present form of carol!
christmas carols

christmas carols

christmascarols1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:39:41 +0000

christmas carols

christmas carols

Christmas is one of the most popular festivals celebrated worldwide and Christians and non Christians come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on this day. The custom of singing Christmas lyrics date back to several centuries ago and the tradition is still observed in its traditional fervor and gaiety. Children as well as adults in the family take part in singing these, much ahead of the Christmas day, to remind one and all that their favorite festival is just round the corner. Singing on Christmas Eve is especially popular and almost mandatory in every Christian household, all over the world. There are several songs and carols that have been sung in the families and passed from one generation to the next.Christmas lyrics have played an important role in promoting the lesser known facts about the festival among us. These mostly talk about the birth of Jesus Christ, about the society of those times, about the gifts of the magi, about the greatness of Christ and last but not the least of Santa Claus or Father Christmas who bring gifts and goodies to the children.Christmas lyrics are mostly easy to learn as the simple flair of the language enables even the little ones in the family to learn them by heart and sing them with utmost emotions. Though simple, these are very meaningful and bring forth the hidden meaning of the festival. The hidden meaning behind the festival being promotion of love towards all human beings, ultimate faith in God and also promotion of peace and harmony amongst ourselves.Merry Christmas lyrics have often been sung even in the non Christian households… Yes! Such is the power and popularity of the festival that has managed to even weave in the families into its folds that belong to distinct faiths and religions. These have been sung from times immemorial and will be sung till the day the world exists. Like it has been uniting people from all walks of life and across all barriers, it will continue to do so and unite the world and establish peace and harmony. The simplicity yet expressiveness of the Christmas carols will definitely manage to bridge the gap between all human beings.
christmas carols