The merry sounds of Christmas
Newcastle is all geared up to celebrate the festive holidays. Try these classic tunes to get you in the festive mood.
With Christmas upon us, and decorations put on display in stores and homes, Newcastle is all geared up to celebrate the festive holidays.
However, what is Christmas without carols?
Here are the top 10 most popular Christmas songs you need to hear this festive season.
1. Away in a Manger
What Christmas is complete without Away in a Manger? While it is unclear who wrote the first two stanzas, the third stanza is attributed to John McFarland who wrote it in 1904. Since then, the carol is one of the most popular songs to be sung in churches or heard playing in stores.
2. The First Noël
A traditional English carol, the First Noël has stood the test of time after being published in 1823 by William Sandys in the Carols Ancient and Modern. Despite being an old song, no Christmas is complete with this classic playing in the background.
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
This is one of the most popular carols that can be heard during December, and it captures the true meaning of the Christmas season. Often sung in churches on Christmas Day, this song is definitely one to add your Christmas carol list.
4. Santa Claus is coming to town
This delightful carol was first aired on radio in 1934, getting people in the festive spirit. Children, especially, love this song as it promises gifts from the beloved man in red.
5. Silent Night
The words were written by Joseph Mohr, an Austrian priest in the Alpine village of Oberndorf on Christmas Eve 1816. The song is tightly linked to the Christmas season and has been sung by popular musicians such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé.
6. Jingle Bell Rock
 
Performed by Bobby Helms in 1957, this song moves away from the more softer carols and sets the pace for a lively family get together. Despite being more than 58 years old, it is guaranteed to ensure you have a rocking Christmas.
7. We wish you a merry Christmas
 
The origin of this Christmas carol lies in the English tradition where wealthy people of the community gave Christmas treats to the carollers on Christmas Eve, such as “figgy pudding” that was very much like modern-day Christmas pudding. While no treats are actually given to any carollers anymore, it is a song that remains a popular song during the festive season.
8.O Holy Night
 
This is one carol that is known by virtually everyone. However, an unknown fact about the song is that it was written in 1843 by Placide Cappeau, who was a professed atheist.
9. Last Christmas
 
No Christmas song list would be complete without Wham’s Last Christmas. Released in 1984, the song which was originally written and produced by George Michael, has been covered by several singers over the years and is one of the most popular songs played during the festive season.
10. The 12Â days of Christmas
 
The 12Â days of Christmas is an English Christmas carol that was first published in 1780, without any music. Having thought to be French in origin, this fun song is found entertaining by children, as it revolves around increasingly grand gifts being given on each of the 12 days of Christmas.
